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Revision as of 19:01, 9 November 2008 by CounterfeitRedhead (talk | contribs) (→References)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Taimak (born Taimak Guarriello on June 27, 1964) is an American actor and martial artist. He is best known for his portrayal of "Bruce" Leroy Green in Berry Gordy's 1985 martial arts film The Last Dragon.
Early life
Taimak (pronounced "Tie-Mok") studied Chinese goju, goju-ryu, taekwondo, and jujutsu before being discovered by a casting director at age 20.
Acting career
Taimak's first film role was that of "Bruce" Leroy Green in the hit 1985 film The Last Dragon. A financial success, the film catapulted the previously-unknown Taimak to fame. In 1986, he starred as Janet Jackson's boyfriend in the hit video for her song Let's Wait Awhile, although his next film appearance wasn't until 1990's The White Girl. He subsequently made an appearance on the late 80's and early 90's college based sitcom A Different World as an athlete who is highly admired by one of the students until he tries to force himself onto her sexually. He then appeared in a number of films throughout the 90's and 00's, as well as landing small roles in television shows such as Beverly Hills 90210, Red Shoe Diaries, and Ally McBeal.
His latest film, an action movie entitled Repeat Offenders, is scheduled for a 2009 release.
Taimak has also appeared in over a dozen stage plays, including a comedic version of Roadhouse in 2004 at the Barrow Street Theater in New York City, and Cheaters in 2006.
Fitness career
Taimak is also a fitness expert and physical trainer, hosting the DVD Taimak FIT: Journey to Perfection.
He has also worked with Madonna as her martial arts coordinator on her Drowned World Tour, and with the rock group Bush on their “Chemicals Between Us” music video.
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
| 1985 | The Last Dragon | Leroy Green | |
| 1990 | The White Girl | Bob | |
| 1993 | No More Dirty Deals | Sean Halloway | |
| 1999 | Dreamers | Sam | |
| 2001 | Night Class | Kickboxing Instructor | |
| 2005 | The Book of Swords | Lucky | |
| 2006 | The System Within | Pastor Ricky | |
| 2006 | They're Just My Friends | Captain Taimak | |
| 2009 | Repeat Offenders | Alexander Morton | |
| Television | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1989 | A Different World | Garth Parks | |
| 1994 | Kickback with Scott Pastore | Guest (Himself) | |
| 1996 | WMAC Masters | Striking Eagle | |
| 1996 | Red Shoe Diaries | Zoner | |
| 1999-2000 | Beverly Hills, 90210 | Bartender | |
| 2004 | Third Watch | Spider | |