Van Damme was born on October 18, 1960 in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Brussels, Belgium. He was married to Maria Rodriguez from 1980 until they divorced in 1984. Then he was married to Cynthia Derderian from 1985 until they divorced in 1986. Then he was married to Darcy LaPier from 1994 until they divorced in 1997. Then he was married to Gladys Portugues from 1987 until they divorced in 1992 then remarried in 1999. He has three children. He lives in Los Angeles, California. Van Damme has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.