Taimak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Taimak
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Taimak at the 2014 Florida Supercon
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| Born | June 27, 1964 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Years active | 1982–present |
Taimak Guarriello (born June 27, 1964), known simply as Taimak, is an American actor, martial artist, and stuntman. He is most famous for his main role as Leroy Green, also called "Bruce Leroy," in the 1985 martial arts movie The Last Dragon.
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About Taimak
Taimak was born on June 27, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. His father was Italian, and his mother was African-American. Today, Taimak lives in New York City.
Taimak's Career Highlights
Taimak's big break came with the movie The Last Dragon. In this film, he played Leroy Green, a martial artist who was inspired by the legendary Bruce Lee. Leroy's goal in the movie was to find something called "The Glow," which was a special power. The movie was very popular and earned a lot of money, more than $25 million.
Acting Roles and Music Videos
After The Last Dragon, Taimak appeared in many TV shows and over a dozen plays. He was also in music videos, including the main male role in Janet Jackson's "Let's Wait Awhile" video. He also appeared in Debbie Allen's "Special Look" video. Taimak played a character in an episode of the TV show A Different World. He also appeared in the music video for "Bloodwork" by the band 36 Crazyfists.
Taimak has worked with famous people like Madonna. He starred in a play called Cheaters, which traveled around the United States. From December 2003 to February 2004, he was in a popular Off-Broadway show called Roadhouse The Comedy. This play was based on the 1989 movie Road House.
Fitness and Martial Arts
In 2002, Taimak opened his own gym called Fitness Concepts in New York City. He also released a fitness DVD called Taimak FIT (Find Inner Transformation). This DVD was planned to be the first in a series to help people with their fitness journey.
Taimak is a very skilled martial artist. He has earned black belts in many different styles, including Goju Ryu Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, Hapkido, Jujutsu, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He learned Chinese Goju from a famous martial artist known as "The Black Dragon," Ron Van Clief.
He even helped as an official for some early mixed martial arts (MMA) fights at UFC 6 and UFC 7.
Recent Work and Recognition
In 2006, Taimak made some appearances with Jimmy Yang in Ring of Honor, a wrestling promotion. Jimmy Yang's character at the time had taken on some of Leroy Green's moves and style.
In November 2015, Taimak and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa received the Fists of Legends Legacy Award. This award was given at the Urban Action Showcase & Expo.
In March 2016, Taimak's autobiography, which is a book about his own life, was published. It is called Taimak, The Last Dragon.
In 2018, Taimak starred in a martial arts comedy movie called Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece, directed by Sean Stone.
Taimak's Film and TV Appearances
- Double Cross (2023-2024) as Cade Cross
- Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece (2018) as Dragon
- They're Just My Friends (2006) as Captain Taimak
- The System Within (2006) as Pastor Ricky
- Book of Swords (2005) as Lucky
- Third Watch as Spider (1 episode, 2004)
- "Family Ties: Part 2" (2004) TV episode as Spider
- Night Class (2001) as Kick boxing instructor
- Masquerade (2000) (TV)
- Beverly Hills, 90210
- I Will Be Your Father Figure (2000) TV episode as Barback
- That's the Guy (1999) TV episode as The Bartender
- Dog's Best Friend (1999) TV episode as The Bartender
- Dreamers (1999) as Sam
- Red Shoe Diaries
- The Forbidden Zone (1996) TV episode as Zoner
- WMAC Masters
- "Battle of the Brothers" (1996) TV episode as Striking Eagle
- Kickback with Scott Pastore (1994) TV series as Guest
- No More Dirty Deals (1993) as Sean Halloway
- The White Girl (1990) as Bob
- A Different World
- "No Means No" (1989) TV episode as Garth Parks
- The Last Dragon (1985) as Leroy Green
Stunt Work
- Madonna: Drowned World Tour 2001 (2001) (TV) (martial arts coordinator)
As Himself
- Acapulco Black Film Festival (2000) (TV) as Himself
- Singled Out
- Episode dated 13 December 1995 (1995) TV episode as Taimuk
