Gladys Portugues
Career
Active 1980 – present
Biography
About Gladys Portugues
Gladys Portugues is a former professional female bodybuilder who twice placed in the top 10 of the Ms. Olympia contest. She also worked as a fitness model before moving into acting and writing. Portugues is married to Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme, and their daughter is actress Bianca Van Damme.
Born in Manhattan, New York City, she is of Puerto Rican descent and holds American nationality. Her body type is muscular, with brown hair and brown eyes. At 68 years old, she has been active in her fields since 1980. Her Instagram following stands at 34k. She is a natural blonde? No, she is a brunette.
Record
Profile details
Personal
- Years Active
- 1980-present (started around 22 years old; 46 years active)
- Birthplace
- Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States
- Ethnicity
- Latin
Body
- Hair Color
- Brown
- Eye Color
- Brown
- Boobs
- Real/Natural
Extra
- Instagram Followers
- 34k (as of June 2026)
Frequently asked
How is Gladys Portugues connected to Jean-Claude Van Damme?
She is married to the Belgian actor and martial artist.
What is her ethnic background?
She is of Puerto Rican descent, which aligns with her Latin ethnicity.
What are her notable achievements in bodybuilding?
She placed in the top 10 at the Ms. Olympia contest twice.
Did you know
- Gladys Portugues started her career around age 22 and has been active for 46 years.
- She is both an author and a former fitness model.
- Her daughter, Bianca Van Damme, is also an actress.
- She was born in Manhattan, New York City.
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