Cynthia Derderian rose to prominence as the second wife of Hollywood icon Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Van Damme boasts a multifaceted career as a martial artist, actor, filmmaker, and fight choreographer.
While her marriage to the martial artist was brief, Cynthia’s life has remained relatively private, with limited information available about her post-divorce years.
Quick Bio
| Name | Cynthia Derderian |
| Gender | Female |
| Famous as | Ex-wife of Jean-Claude Van Damme |
| Age | 54 years |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Jean-Claude Van Damme |
| Nationality | American |
Who is Cynthia Derderian?
Cynthia Derderian was born on January 1, 1970, in the United States of America. Being a private person, Cynthia has not provided any information about her parents and siblings.
Cynthia holds American nationality. She has led her early life away from the public eye; therefore, details about her childhood and education are not known.
She mainly gained recognition after marrying the famous Belgian actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Marriage and Divorce
Cynthia rose to prominence as the second wife of Jean-Claude Van Damme. It is reported that Cynthia and Van Damme met when he was employed at her father’s carpet store.
The couple got married on August 24, 1985, but unfortunately, their union ended in divorce in 1986.
Not much is known about the reasons behind Cynthia Derderian and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s divorce. Their marriage was brief, lasting only for three months, and did not result in any children.
After the divorce from Van Damme, Cynthia has stayed out of the limelight. She did not make any public appearances, so not much is known about her life post-divorce.
Cynthia’s Ex-Husband: Jean-Claude Van Damme
Cynthia Derderian was married to Jean-Claude Van Damme from 1985 to 1986. He is a versatile Belgian actor, filmmaker, martial artist, and fight choreographer.
Jean-Claude Van Damme was born Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg on October 18, 1960, in Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Brussels-Capital, Belgium. His parents, Eliana and Eugène Van Varenberg, played a significant role in his upbringing.
Van Damme’s journey in the entertainment industry took a pivotal turn when he relocated to the USA in 1982, crossing paths with martial arts film star Chuck Norris and establishing a lasting friendship.
From breakthrough roles in films like “Cyborg” (1989) to international acclaim in “Kickboxer” the same year, Van Damme’s career soared.
His filmography includes iconic movies such as “Double Impact,” “Street Fighter,” “The Last Mercenary,” and “The Expendables 2.”
Additionally, he lent his voice to animated films like “Kung Fu Panda 3” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
Van Damme’s Struggles
Jean-Claude Van Damme, Cynthia Derderian’s ex-husband, faced a tumultuous battle with bipolar disorder and cocaine addiction.
Consuming up to 10 grams daily, costing him $10,000 weekly, his substance abuse was linked to undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
Before diagnosis, he managed symptoms through ballet and martial arts. Opting for a cold-turkey approach and intensive exercise, he embraced changes for self-improvement.
Diagnosed with Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder, Van Damme turned to mood-stabilizing drug sodium valproate.
Despite unsuccessful attempts at rehabilitation and therapy, he ultimately won over addiction, emphasizing the crucial role of personal readiness in recovery.
Van Damme’s journey, shared in “Behind Closed Doors” in 2011, reflects resilience and self-discovery in the face of mental health challenges.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Married Five Times
Before marrying Cynthia Derderian, Jean-Claude Van Damme had a previous marriage to María Rodríguez, which lasted from August 25, 1980, until their divorce in 1984.
Jean-Claude Van Damme married Cynthia Derderian in 1985, but their marriage lasted only three months. The reasons behind the divorce between Cynthia Derderian and Jean-Claude Van Damme remain undisclosed.
After their separation, Van Damme married his third wife, Gladys Portugues, in 1987. She was a former professional female bodybuilder and actress.
The couple share two children. Kristopher van Varenberg, born in 1987 and Bianca Brigitte, born in 1992.
Van Damme’s marital journey also includes unions with former actress and model Darcy LaPier in 1994. Their marriage resulted in the birth of Nicholas van Varenberg in 1995.
Van Damme’s remarriage to Gladys Portugues followed his split from Darcy LaPier in 1997, marking the actor’s fifth marriage to four women.
Van Damme and Gladys Portugues had a dispute in 2015, but they sorted it out and are still together.
Where is Cynthia Derderian Now?
In contrast to her ex-husband, Cynthia Derderian chose to step away from the public eye after her divorce from Van Damme.
While there are rumors about Cynthia’s additional marriages, notably with Jeff Derderian, details regarding her potential children remain unknown.
Cynthia Derderian is 54 years old, and no information is available about her current whereabouts.