Jean-Claude Van Damme recently reflected on his brief appearance on the hit sitcom "Friends," describing it as a "strange" experience that left him feeling embarrassed about his acting skills. The 63-year-old actor, while promoting his new Irish whiskey brand, Old Oak, expressed disappointment in his own performance, saying, "My acting is so bad. I look so like a ham. Like, 'Hey, girls.' ... It's like, I'm ashamed of myself.

" He went on to explain that he felt unsure of how to respond when the actresses on the show kissed him on the lips during the scene. In the 1996 episode titled "The One After the Super Bowl: Part 2," Van Damme played a fictionalized version of himself. The plot revolved around Rachel and Monica's attraction to the action star, leading to a dispute over who would have the opportunity to go out with him. Van Damme admitted that he wasn't familiar with "Friends" before appearing on the show, but he was pleased to be a part of such a popular series. Reflecting on his character's awkward stance in the scene, he jokingly mimicked the pose during a Zoom interview. Despite his initial embarrassment, Van Damme described the experience as a good memory. He praised the cast and crew of "Friends" for their professionalism and efficiency, comparing the show's well-oiled operation to a smoothly running engine. The actor even humorously acknowledged that the sitcom was more popular than his entire film career combined. "But everybody talks about that show more than all of my movies together," he said, highlighting the power of television. Van Damme also spoke fondly of his wife, Gladys Portugues, during the interview. He described her as an amazing woman and champion bodybuilder, emphasizing her natural approach to fitness.

The couple met when Van Damme saw her on the cover of a magazine and instantly knew he wanted to marry her. They eventually met and had a photoshoot together in Mexico, during which Van Damme admitted that his heart was pounding so hard that it caused a noticeable movement in the photo. When he's not spending time with his family, Van Damme is busy managing his new whiskey brand, Old Oak. Co-owned with a friend named Kevin Carson, the brand is named after Derry County in Northern Ireland, also known as "Oak Leaf County." Van Damme described his whiskey as a sensory experience that warms the throat and requires some education to fully appreciate. He expressed pride in the brand's packaging, describing it as classy and beautiful.