Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!

The Glow. For many of us who have seen the cult classic, The Last Dragon, starring Taimak Guarriello, the “Glow” reminds of how we often marveled at Taimak’s agility and chiseled physique. Cast by Motown legend Berry Gordy in the lead role, Taimak played the unforgettable Bruce Leroy, Harlem’s martial arts Bruce Lee wannabe in search of “The Glow.”

Taimak has also appeared in over a dozen plays, including Roadhouse in 2004 in New York City, playing the notable role of Dalton in this rendition of Patrick Swayzes 80’s cult classic.

As a martial arts choreographer and trainer, Taimak has worked with music heavyweights like Madonna and the rock group Bush. He has guest-starred on several television shows, including Ally McBeal, A Different World and Third Watch, just to name a few. He also developed a wellness program for at-risk children called Unfolding Dreams. He delivers the seminar in at-risk communities nationwide.

The now, 60-year-old Taimak (yes, 60!) is also a fitness expert that has helped literally thousands get in shape with his fitness DVD called Create the Perfect Package.

Who is Taimak’s Family and How Did He Get Into Acting?

Taimak’s family includes two step-brothers, Lande and Sharif, from his mother’s previous marriage, an older brother, Meishan, and two younger sisters, Naria and Taiesha. To combat growing tensions and racism in Los Angeles, the family relocated to London, UK, when Taimak was seven years old. Taimak’s mother opened a restaurant, called Laurita’s, which was celebrated as the first soul food restaurant in London.

It became a popular celebrity hang-out in the early 1970s, and was frequented by the likes of David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Liza Minnelli. During this time, Taimak’s father spent time in prison for theft and upon his release, he spent time in the company of Christine Keller – the famous showgirl at the heart of the infamous Profumo scandal which rocked British politics in 1963.

Taimak’s parents separated when he was 10. His mother moved with his sisters to Paris and Taimak relocated to Rome with his father and older brother. In 1976, the Guarriello boys would finally relocate again to their father’s hometown of New York, living in Manhattan. Taimak went to Brandeis High School and took up wrestling and fencing, becoming the captain of the school fencing team.

Taimak also developed a love of comic books and kung fu films, predominantly those produced by the Shaw Brothers studio in Hong Kong, which were screened in dive cinemas on 42nd Street on Times Square.

Taimak’s first martial art was Karate, before taking up Aikido and competing in taekwondo under Richard Chun. He later enrolled at the New York karate school of the martial artist and film star, Ron Van Clief, who would become a lifelong teacher and friend. As well as winning kickboxing titles, Taimak worked as a bouncer at some of New York’s most famous nightclubs, including Bonds International and 1080, where celebrity guests included Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Andy Warhol.

When producers were looking in New York for a young black lead to star in an upcoming martial arts, Ron Van Clief encouraged Taimak to audition. Having never acted before, the audition didn’t go well. However, Taimak was given a month to work on the lines and, following an audition in front of the film’s producer, the legendary music executive and founder of the Motown record label, Berry Gordy, he nailed it and the rest is history.

His Exclusive On-on-One Interview

BlackDoctor.org sat down exclusively with Taimak to get his tips on how he continues to look young and remain healthy.

BDO: What is the best health tip you ever received?
Taimak: The best health tip that I’ve ever received states that “What’s good for one person is not always good for another.” People have different body types, various allergies and other circumstances that may cause one person to have different dietary needs. Another great health tip that I can pass along to your readers is to pay attention to the foods you eat. Healthy eating and nutrition is half the battle in creating a healthy lifestyle. Many foods have chemicals and elements that prove to be detrimental to the body. It’s important to read your food labels and do research to discern what’s best for you.

BDO: What’s your biggest struggle/temptation to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Taimak: Fitness and health have always come naturally for me at a young age, so food temptations were not such a big problem for me. The biggest struggle that I now have is the mental aspect of health—being able to deal with the stress and pressures of life and making sure that doesn’t negatively affect me. Many people don’t realize that our mental truly does affect our physical. I counteract the negative mental strains with meditation and affirmations.

BDO: What would you say is your greatest health accomplishment?
Taimak: Being 50+ years old, I’m in the best shape of my life, even better than I was when starring in The Last Dragon. As you get older, your priorities change. When I was younger, I wanted to have a huge chest or biceps. Now, it’s more about remaining healthy, being able to run, exercise, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of my most recent biggest achievements is that I completed the 26.2-mile New York marathon last year. It was such a thrill running through all five boroughs and crossing the finish line.

BDO: Name one exercise that when you do it, it doesn’t feel like exercise.
Taimak: Strength conditioning and my normal exercise routine have been a part of my life for so long that its just a part of me—its who I am.

BDO: Name one health condition that’s prevalent in your family, and how you work to keep it in check.
Taimak: Various heart conditions have struck some close to me. That is one reason why I’m such an advocate for creating a healthy lifestyle when you’re young so that it can be a part of you and grow with you as you grow.

BDO: In your pursuit of achievement, what keeps you going?
Taimak: The love of my family, friends, and fans keeps going daily. They are my base and my support.