JEAN CLAUDE VAN DAMME - VAN DAMME CLAIMS TO BE A 'BRAND NAME'

Jean Claude Van Damme has claimed his worldwide popularity has made him a "brand name".

The star of some 36 action movies such as BLOODSPORT and TIMECOP, the 47-year-old actor claims to have become an icon.

"My movies are international," he told the Metro. "Everybody understands a slap in the face. In Japan, Belgium or America, a punch is a punch.

"Comedy will be different in Europe or America, so my movies are very international. I’m a brand name. Van Damme is like Levi's."

"A day doesn’t go past when I’m not recognised," says the actor, who has married five times – twice to the same woman.

However, the 'Muscles From Brussels' at least admits his acting skills are a work in progress.

"I've made 36 movies in 20 years and I overacted a lot in my early career," he said.

"So it's very difficult for me to look at myself in those early movies."

However, Van Damme is currently receiving good reviews for his part in fake autobiographical film JCVD, reports the Guardian.