Portraits w/ Taimak | November 19th 2014 | Black Hollywood Live

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Taimak. Taimak grew up in New York City till he was seven years old.Coming from an interracial background (African American and Italian) his parents chose to move his brother and two sisters to Europe.That's where he got his first taste of the entertainment business. At 11 years old, he had the privilege to meet legendary director and family friend Federico Fellini.
Mr. Fellini took him on a tour of the set of "Roma" where he also met another film legend Vincent Minnelli. Taimak and his family eventually moved back to New York City where he delved deeper into martial arts training.
He won the New York State kickboxing championship and the very next year he was cast by music mogul and Motown legend Berry Gordy to play the lead role in the cult classic film "The Last Dragon". He was Bruce Leroy, the Bruce Lee wannabe in search of "The Glow".
Taimak was quickly catapulted into Hollywood with a career that has spanned over twenty years.
He's appeared in many stage plays, including the highly successful "Roadhouse the Comedy" at the Barrow Street Theater in New York City, playing the notable role of Dalton in this zany comedy rendition of Patrick Swayzes 80's cult classic film and the national tour of the star studded cast of "Cheaters" to name a few.
As martial arts choreographer and teacher, he had the honor of being inducted into The Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2010. He's been sought after by some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Choreographer and director Debbie Allen, Jaime King and Madonna on her Drowned World Tour, former rock band Bush as choreographer of their "Chemical Between Us" video. Over the years he's guest starred on several national television shows, A Different World, Alley McBeal. Red Shoes Diaries, Malcolm and Eddie.Currently after a bit of a hiatus from Hollywood he's been writing and making his directorial debut with a film noir detective story titled "I've Seen Things". He created a wellness program for young people in 2009 www.unfoldingdream.org. He delivers the seminar in "at risk" communities around the country. "I am blessed beyond measure to have had the opportunity to do so much and I hope to inspire and entertain some more, I think with a little more work, the best is yet to come"
This interview was recorded November 19th, 2013. 🛍 Shop our closet at Melanin & More: poshmark.com/closet/melaninan...

[@greenidgebartholomew]

his voice,that smile ...he's simply gorgeous

[@jenniferchocolate4298]

Taimak stills looks amazing i am so in love with this man keep up the good work

[@shayjones9268]

He mines

[@DROD57]

Loved Last Dragon he was a phenomenal actor I also went to school with his sister I S 44 on 77th St. and Columbus.

[@CBrown9758]

I truly love hearing him talk.Taimak should truly consider writing, good story telling

[@MochaDeLoache]

I love Taimak

[@jencarrasco7023]

Taimak is so interesting, I love how he recounts his childhood. Love his energy how he talks, inspiring.

[@kikic5784]

The original is always the best. Verses a remake would not be the same.

[@keshiasnappybags]

Taimak is amazzzzzzzzinnnngggggggg.. I am so digging him. Sure wish I could meet him. #THEMASTER. Oh, and yummy.. :)

[@tandrabeavers5021]

Taimak♥️

[@NATURE_IS_T]

The man!

[@ashleycobbs1059]

Simmons Executive Protection Agency LLC. H

[@MsSilentmelody]

Still looking good! Luv u Taimak!

[@keonta81]

cant believe dude is almost 50

[@MiniCuis4u]

I like this fella and I am happy he didn't allow the business to dim his glow. From his movements he seems to be developing arthritis. I pray he'll be good. I have it... and it is no joke. 🙏🏽☮🌏🌴

[@robink7316]

Why do you think that?

[@MiniCuis4u]

@@robink7316 I guess you'd have to be a victim of arthritis and felt the beginning of its development. The way he moves his neck and back seems to indicate stiffness. I'm just guessing though. I could be wrong!

[@shenaelegrand1413]

@@MiniCuis4u he mentions on his Instagram that he had a spinal injury

[@MiniCuis4u]

@@shenaelegrand1413 Oh wow... I'm sure arthritis is setting in. I was in a car accident and my arthritis has taken over my body. I had it before the accident but it got worse.

[@transformationnation5443]

Sometimes we must break the fold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you all, for us a drug is a presence~~~ Live LIFE~

[@rosileneliberta4076]

nossa ele não mudou nada sempre lindo

[@mjpeter3964]

Dat man's glow!

[@mikefit3343]

Berry Gordy brung Taimak fame by putting him as the lead star, and he’s also solely responsible for Taimak’s down fall in Hollywood.

[@mjpeter3964]

Gary Oldman is my dude, too!!! #trueromance #theprofessional

[@transformationnation5443]

If ALI or Taimak Like is relavent! Martial= STANDARD

[@crystalball5555]

YOU =jealous

[@javonmitchell2190]

His voice is the male equivalent to Mariah Carey.

[@shayjones9268]

lol damn u went in

[@rochellewilliams7108]

​@@shayjones9268 yea they did

[@TheElderZor]

Who's the man.

[@tangled55]

I'm a fan of Taimak, and literally loved the movie "The Last Dragon"...but he comes across as a little "smarmy" or "non-authentic" in this interview. I find this very odd, because in every other interview I've EVER seen him in he's always so humble, polite, and gracious. He seems like he's "putting on" here, which is totally out of his character. Maybe..it's just me though...

[@thewatchersuperman]

That's quite interesting because this is one of the few interviews where he seems to be honest, real, secure and comfortable being himself. No offense, but a lot of people think you have to be "humble" or "polite" but they only end up being FAKE - feel me? That's a sign of loss of ego, which he referred to. I'm VERY happy for him. He's letting his guard down and being real and vulnerable (like he said) to being called "smarmy" etc. So when we quit "trying" to be something/someone, is the exact moment when we actually become something/someone. Hope this made sense, friend.

[@angelicaplummer6127]

he's probably just being himself and that is beautiful...you have a wise comment

[@mjpeter3964]

Lick ass!

[@shenaelegrand1413]

I know we want him to be like Bruce Leroy but he’s not, he’s himself. He even said that when he was younger he was never actually like his character in the movie.

[@jahvincikingdamani4718]

LEEWOY

[@melissadavis7947]

Jody Sims says he can sleep with Janet now.

[@listhatelisme1445]

He is fine for his age.

[@rosiequartz5085]

LeeRoy !

[@luckylucian007]

BOYCOTT VLAD