Jean-Claude Van Damme has expressed his admiration for the late Chuck Norris, honoring the iconic actor’s memory after his passing at 86. Van Damme shared a poignant message on Instagram, reflecting on their friendship that dated back to his early career days.

In an interview with Mirror, the Belgian actor recounted how he first crossed paths with Chuck Norris in his late teens while striving to establish himself in the acting realm. Despite his initial struggles with the English language and feelings of discouragement, a turn of events at Bob Wall’s residence set a new course for Van Damme. Bob Wall introduced Chuck Norris to Van Damme, recognizing the latter’s exceptional physical capabilities.

Following this encounter, Van Damme detailed how he and Chuck Norris began rigorous training sessions together, with Van Damme demonstrating his commitment by traveling long distances and even sleeping in his car to ensure punctuality. Their training sessions involved challenging sparring matches against various opponents, including renowned figures like Joe Jackson.

The bond between Van Damme and Norris eventually paved the way for Van Damme’s breakthrough in the film industry, notably with Chuck Norris featuring him in “Missing in Action,” filmed in the Philippines. This collaboration marked the beginning of Van Damme’s successful movie career, leading to renowned productions like “Bloodsport.”

Decades later, the enduring friendship between Van Damme and Norris remained evident, as Van Damme shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute featuring cherished moments captured over the years. Expressing his grief over Chuck Norris’s passing, Van Damme conveyed his deepest condolences to Norris’s family and emphasized the profound impact Norris had on his life and the world.

Reports indicated that Chuck Norris experienced a medical emergency on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, with a statement on his Instagram account confirming his unexpected demise. The statement hailed Norris as a martial artist, actor, and symbol of strength globally, while highlighting his role as a devoted family man who inspired millions.

Jean-Claude Van Damme’s reflections on his enduring friendship with Chuck Norris were shared following the launch of Old Oak whiskey, underscoring the lasting influence and camaraderie between the two esteemed actors.