Martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme is coming to Prague

Martial artist and action film star Jean-Claude Van Damme will greet fans in Prague at the Night with the Legend (Noc s legendou) event hosted at Prague's SaSaZu club on November 7, organizer Matěj Senft revealed to Czech News Agency on Friday.

The fan event promises an intimate encounter with the legendary actor, allowing attendees to hear Van Damme speak about his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to international stardom.

"When the chance arose to secure such a colossal star, we jumped at it," says promoter Petr Větrovský, expressing enthusiasm about the chance to feature a Hollywood icon at his next event. Previous Night with the Legend events in Prague have featured boxers Mike Tyson and Tyson Fury.

"Jean-Claude Van Damme is a global superstar with a captivating narrative, a perfect fit for our evening," Větrovský added.

In contrast to previous editions, this year's event will see the SaSaZu auditorium adorned with tables for a more intimate atmosphere. Tickets to meet the Belgian actor and athlete are now available from CZK 1,490, with premium table packages including refreshments starting at CZK 3,490.

Van Damme, who will turn 63 years old on October 18, has memorably visited the Czech Republic in the past. He took over patronage of a Czech kickboxing event in 1995, and chaired the jury for the Czech Miss competition in 2010.

Renowned for his roles in Hollywood action films, Van Damme has incorporated his lifelong love of martial arts into his cinematic career. He won a gold medal at the European karate championships in 1979.

His diverse martial arts background, including kickboxing, was complemented by five years of ballet training, begun at the age of 16. He also became a Belgian bodybuilding champion at the age of 17.

Van Damme made his on-screen debut in 1979 as an extra in the French-Belgian film Woman Between Wolf and Dog, and soon ventured to Hollywood. He played the primary antagonist in 1985's No Retreat, No Surrender.

His breakout role in 1988's Bloodsport, showcasing his proficiency in various Asian martial arts, propelled him to box office stardom, and was followed by iconic performances in films like Kickboxer, Double Impact, Universal Soldier, and Timecop. However, his Hollywood success in the 1990s was marred by struggles with substance abuse.

In recent years, Van Damme has graced screens in the action-packed series The Expendables, and has lent his voice to animated films such as Minions: The Rise of Gru and Kung Fu Panda 3.