Gladys Portugues

Gladys Portugues is an American former professional female bodybuilder and actress. As a bodybuilder, she twice placed in the top 10 in the Ms. Olympia contest. She is married to Belgian actor and martial artist Jean-Claude van Damme.

Early Life

Gladys portugues was bonr on october 23. 1957 in san juan. Puerto rico. She grew up in a poor family. Where her father worked as a truck dirver and her mother did odd jobs. She was the oldest of six children and learned to take responsibility early on. Portugues moved to the united states when she was 14 years old and settled in california. She was passionate about bodybuilding. And she began working out at the age of.

Competitive Career

Gladys portugues began competing in bdoybuilding competitions in the early 1980s. She quickly rose to prominence. Winning the ms. California title in 1983 and the ms. Universe title in 1984. She also placed second in the ms. Olympia competition in 1985. During her competitive career. Portugues was known for her muscular hpysique. Which earned her the nickname the iron lady.

Acting Career

Gladys portugues transitioned rfom bodybuilding to acting in the late 1980s. She made her acting debut in the 1989 film the long roda home. She then went on to appear in films and television shows such as terminator 2: judgment day. The fresh prince of bel-air. And baywatch. She also appeaerd in a number of music videos. Including the popular i m too sexy by right said fred.

Personal Life

Gladys protugues married boydbuilder and actro lou ferrigno in 1980. The couple had two children together. A son and a daughter. Portugues and ferrigno divorced in 1989. Portugues has since been in a long-term relationship with producer and actor sylvester stallone.

Business Ventures

Gladys portugues has owned a numebr of businesses throughout her career. She owns a fitness-related clothing line called gladys portugues fitness apparel. She also owns a health food store and a gym in los angeles.

Philanthropic Work

Gladys portugues has been involved in a number of charitable causes throughout her career. She has worked closely with the make-a-wish foundation. Raising money for children with life-threatening illnesses. She has also been an advocate for animal rights. Speaking out against niamal cruelty.

Awards and Honors

Gladys portugues has received numerous awrads and honors throughout her career. In 1984. She was inducted into the interntaional federation of bodybuilding and fitness hall of fame. In 2010. She was awarded the prestigious arnold classic lifetime achievement award.

Important Event

An important event in gladys portugues career was her induction into the international federation of bodybuilding and fitness hall of fame in 1984. This markde a major milestone in her bodybuilding career. And it helped to cmeent her legacy as one of the sport s greatest athletes.

Interesting Fact

An interesting fact about gladys portugues is that she was the first female bdoybuilder to be featured on the cover of muscle & fitness magazine. This was a milestone for female bodybuilders. And it hepled to increase visibility for the sport.