Most know him as “The Last Dragon,” but for the man simply referred to a Taimak his career has been so much more. He’s taken advice from Federico Fellini and given advice to Madonna. In between, he has carved out an impressive life of service to martial arts.  Here’s his story:

INSIDE KUNG-FU: It has been a while since we featured you. What have you been doing?
TAIMAK: Writing screenplays, acting, training, and teaching. I created a dream program for young people about how to live your dreams and make them happen now. My interests are always evolving and expanding. Right now I’m at ease with life and letting it all happen.


IKF: Do you still train in martial arts and if so, how often? 
T: I train at least three times a week—very hard, but I try to do something everyday. I train and teach at my fiancé’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu dojo LVL5 in San Diego. In New York City I train with some students.

IKF: We see you have been appearing in plays lately? What attracts you to this medium?
T: It’s very different then acting for the screen. I like the challenge of it, (it) keeps me invested in what I’m doing. I recently completed a successful run of “life after,” a Quentin Tarantino-style play with bloody fights, irony and outrageous comedy. With director Timothy Haskell, we did “Roadhouse the Comedy” in 2004. We do great work together. He likes pushing the edge a bit and so do I.

IKF: You played Bruce Leroy in The Last Dragon. Why has that movie become such a classic?
T: Because there’s been nothing like it before or after. It’s a story that transcends ethnic backgrounds, race, age and status. It’s a story about the heart and soul, a human story and everyone can relate to that. It was real, genuine and that’s always refreshing in today’s world..

IKF: What do you remember about shooting that?
T: I remember Julius Carrie trying to start fights with me on set. I was only 19 and never did any acting before other then a couple of school plays and here I was the star of a major motion picture, having to act with veterans. I really liked Julius and he didn’t want that to translate on film, so he would start with me and when I got angry he’d run away. He’s 6-foot-6 and I’m 5-foot-11. Just imagine him running from me.



IKF: There is talk that they are planning on a remake of The Last Dragon with Samuel L. Jackson. How do you feel about that?
T: Anything that brings quality martial arts films to the screen with real entertainment value is a plus for martial arts. Sony is taking its time to do it right. They’re involving me in the story and concept. It will be a real winner!

IKF: Will you make a cameo?
T: I will be an integral part of the story. Did it bother you that most people remember you from The Last Dragon?

T: Not at all. Most actors are never remembered, and being remembered for such a heart-warming character has people relate to me in a warm and inspiring way. What more can a person want? I’m a 7th-degree black belt; I know how to tell them to back off.

IKF: What’s the most important lesson you learned from studying martial arts?
T: To never give up on yourself, always live a healthy lifestyle, and improve yourself to be a better person for others.

IKF: You worked with Madonna on her recent tour. What kinds of things did you do with her?  
T: I taught her some of the basics—kicks, stances, and strikes. She’s a hard worker and knows what she wants. She’s Madonna.

IKF: What is the secret to martial arts choreography for the stage as compared to film?
T: Onstage you have to be bigger; it has to sell to the audience. Sometimes the audience can be one foot away from you. They have to believe it’s a real fight. That’s much easily done on screen, the camera can help you in film, and you can cut whenever there’s a mistake. Onstage there is no stopping. You just have to keep going whether or not you make a mistake. I love both mediums, but one is definitely more challenging.

IKF: You meet with at-risk kids now. What is your message to them? 
T: Work hard and smart, never quit your dreams/career. What you do is a contribution to others and have fun—responsibly.

IKF: Finally, did Fellini or Minnelli give you any advice?
T: I learned from watching. I knew I wanted to be in films ever since Fellini took me on a tour of his studio when I was a kid.  My best work is definitely in front of me and I will get better and better with time.

Name: Taimak
Last Name: Guarriello
Birthdate: June 27, 1964
Best Known Role: Leroy Green in The Last Dragon
Facts: Did choreography for Madonna’s Drowned World Tour
Website: www.taimak.tv
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