Jean-Claude Van Damme
![Van Damme in 2012](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/Jean-Claude_Van_Damme_2012.jpg)
He became a popular action film star and followed up with commercially successful films such as ''Cyborg'' (1989), ''Kickboxer'' (1989), ''Lionheart'' (1990), ''Death Warrant'' (1990), ''Double Impact'' (1991), ''Universal Soldier'' (1992), ''Nowhere to Run'' (1993), ''Hard Target'' (1993), ''Timecop'' (1994), ''Street Fighter'' (1994), ''Sudden Death'' (1995), ''The Quest'' (1996), which marked his directorial debut, and ''Maximum Risk'' (1996). After a decline in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he returned to prominence with the critically acclaimed crime drama ''JCVD'' (2008). His big return to the action genre was in ''The Expendables 2'' (2012), in which he starred as the villain, opposite Sylvester Stallone. From thereon, he continued starring in action films and doing extensive voice work.
Regarded as an icon of action and martial arts cinema, his films have grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making him one of the most successful action stars of all time. His accolades include a Golden Lotus Award and a Bollywood Movie Award, and nominations for three MTV Movie Awards, a Video Premiere Award, a Silver Leopard and a TFCA Award. Outside acting, Van Damme has publicly supported various conservationist causes and animal rights organisations. Provided by Wikipedia