By Alexandra Harper 
Gladys Portugues is an American former professional bodybuilder, fitness model, actress and author. She became recognised for her achievements in women’s bodybuilding and later gained wider public attention through her marriage to Belgian actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme.
However, her story is about more than her relationship with a famous film star. Gladys built her own career in fitness, took part in bodybuilding competitions and appeared in films. Her dedication to training also inspired her to share her knowledge of exercise and healthy living through books.
In this article, we explore Gladys Portugues’s age, height, early life, career, estimated net worth and family background.
Gladys Portugues: Quick Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gladys Portugues |
| Date of birth | 30 September 1957 |
| Age | 69 years old as of October 2026 |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former bodybuilder, fitness model, actress and author |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 metres) |
| Husband | Jean-Claude Van Damme |
| Children | Kristopher and Bianca |
| Known for | Women’s bodybuilding and acting |
| Net worth | Not officially confirmed |
How Old Is Gladys Portugues?
Gladys Portugues was born on 30 September 1957 in Manhattan, New York City, United States. She turned 69 in September 2026. Her interest in fitness developed while she was studying at Marymount Manhattan College.
During her college years, Gladys watched champion bodybuilder Rachel McLish win the Ms. Olympia title. The achievement made a strong impression on her and encouraged her to explore weight training and bodybuilding herself.
At the time, women’s bodybuilding was becoming more visible, although it was still a developing sport. Gladys pursued her interest with commitment and eventually established herself as a competitive bodybuilder.
Gladys Portugues’s Height and Fitness Journey
Gladys is reported to be approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, which is around 1.65 metres. Her athletic build and commitment to strength training became important parts of her public image.
Bodybuilding requires regular exercise, careful preparation and consistency over time. Gladys developed her physique through training and competed against other athletes in women’s bodybuilding competitions.
Her experience also gave her opportunities to work as a fitness model and author. Through these activities, she was able to share her interest in physical conditioning with a wider audience.
Gladys Portugues’s Bodybuilding Career
Gladys made her name through competitive bodybuilding, a sport that demands discipline, physical preparation and a strong understanding of training.
One of her notable achievements was placing in the top ten at the Ms. Olympia competition on two occasions. Ms. Olympia is a major event in professional women’s bodybuilding, bringing together athletes from around the world.
Her participation helped establish her reputation within the fitness community. She also appeared in fitness-related publications and wrote books about exercise and developing a stronger physique.
Gladys’s career is a reminder that she had an identity and professional achievements of her own before becoming widely known as Jean-Claude Van Damme’s wife.
Gladys Portugues’s Acting and Writing Career
Alongside bodybuilding, Gladys explored opportunities in film and television. She appeared in Pumping Iron II: The Women (1985), a documentary focused on women’s bodybuilding.
She also had roles in films including The Morning After (1986) and It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987). Although acting was not as central to her career as fitness, these appearances introduced her to audiences outside the bodybuilding world.
Gladys also co-authored fitness books, including Hard Bodies and Hard Bodies Express. These publications focused on exercise and physical conditioning, reflecting the knowledge she gained through her training and competitive experience.
What Is Gladys Portugues’s Net Worth?
Gladys Portugues’s exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. Some websites publish estimates, but these figures are not supported by verified financial records and should be treated cautiously.
Her professional activities have included bodybuilding, fitness modelling, acting and writing. These are possible sources of income connected to her career, but her individual earnings from each activity have not been publicly established.
Her husband, Jean-Claude Van Damme, has earned money through his long career in films and entertainment. However, his financial position should not be treated as a confirmed measure of Gladys’s personal wealth.
Who Is Gladys Portugues’s Husband?
Gladys Portugues is married to Belgian actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme, who is known for action films such as Bloodsport, Kickboxer and Universal Soldier.
The couple first married in January 1987 and divorced in 1992. They later reunited and married again in June 1999. Their relationship has attracted public interest because of their connection to the entertainment industry and their decision to remarry after their earlier separation.
Gladys and Jean-Claude have two children together, Kristopher Van Varenberg and Bianca Brigitte Van Varenberg. Both have also explored careers connected to entertainment and film.
Although their relationship has been discussed publicly over the years, Gladys has maintained a professional identity through her own work in fitness and acting.
Final Thoughts
Gladys Portugues has built a varied career as a bodybuilder, fitness model, actress and author. Her achievements in women’s bodybuilding helped establish her name, while her work in film and fitness publishing allowed her to explore other interests.
Although many people recognise her as Jean-Claude Van Damme’s wife, her own professional journey deserves attention. From discovering bodybuilding during college to competing at a high level, Gladys has spent much of her life connected to fitness and physical training.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Gladys Portugues?
Gladys Portugues was born on 30 September 1957 and is 69 years old as of October 2026.
2. How tall is Gladys Portugues?
She is reported to be approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, or 1.65 metres.
3. What is Gladys Portugues famous for?
She is known for professional bodybuilding, fitness modelling, acting and writing about exercise.
4. Who is Gladys Portugues’s husband?
Her husband is Belgian actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme.
5. How many children does Gladys Portugues have?
She has two children with Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kristopher and Bianca.
6. What is Gladys Portugues’s net worth?
Her exact net worth has not been officially confirmed, so online estimates should be treated with caution.