Life After: Taimak

[@literallywho9954]

I do want to point out, the deal Berry Gordy had written up for Taimak for the remaining two planned movies of The Last Dragon was rigged in every way possible. The studio wanted to pay Taimak $60k for all three movies, disqualifying him from royalties. He walked away because he knows he's worth more than that.

[@misterDjayMDJ]

Berry Gordy was known for being an ultra-shrewd businessman; squeezing artists for what he could get out of them, locking them down contractually then putting them on the shelf. That’s why The Jacksons left Motown because the same would’ve happened to them. Taimak on the other hand, signed a studio deal with Motown. Meaning he could only do movies with them, so he wasn’t in any position to negotiate or turn down any deals he was offered. His deal was 60k for the sequel and 120k for the third movie [before taxes]. If I was in his position, I would’ve taken the deal. The Last Dragon was an ensemble cast, sure he was the focus; but the success of the movie had to do with everyone. And Taimak is one of my childhood heroes but let’s be real. He didn’t have any real leverage going into negotiations with Motown for the second and third movie and Suzanne De Passé kept it real with him. I don’t think she was as mean as Taimak said, he mixed personal and business and he shouldn’t have done that. Because after he turned down the deal, Berry did just that: kept him on the shelf until the late 80’s and then after the pot cooled down let him out of his deal. And Taimak had a hard time getting his career off the ground past cameos and one time appearances. The point I’m making is that not taking that deal was the biggest mistake of his career.

[@literallywho9954]

@@misterDjayMDJ Not taking the deal that would have screwed him in the end was the biggest mistake? Rose colored glasses.

[@misterDjayMDJ]

@@literallywho9954 Not rose colored glasses, that’s just the reality of the entertainment industry. I read his book, he only made SAG/scale from The Last Dragon which was 30K before taxes. He said he really took home just over 10K, (which was a lot back then) and he said he blew threw that money in less than a year. He had an opportunity to make more money and gain more exposure that would’ve helped him down the line and he didn’t. I don’t need rose colored glasses to see that he screwed himself. Motown were the ones investing money, not him. Hollywood studio execs cut the big checks to box office draws, Taimak wasn’t a star like Eddie Murphy. So he was asking for way more than he was actually worth at the time. The Last Dragon went on to be a cult classic but it wasn’t Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop or Karate Kid. What he wouldn’t have made monetarily he would’ve gotten back in exposure and experience as a leading man who can carry a franchise. Especially if the second and third one did well. Where would Ralph Macchio be today if he turned down the Karate Kid? His career wouldn’t have progressed and there would be no Cobra Kai. He would just be harping on the one hit he had in his career. That’s exactly why the producer/writer said Taimak’s ego got in the way. And trust me, I still look up to Taimak but I learned from his mistake, because the way he detailed the years following him turning down the deal it was clearly a mistake on his part whether he would actually admit it or not.

[@thescatman5029]

​@misterDjayMDJ Love Motown, but Berry Gordy kept a lot of folk "on the shelf." Teena Marie took him to court. She won. The "shelf practice" got banned in music. But I guess it was still legal in movies. Hence, Bruce Leroy being "on the shelf."

[@JacksonStorms-mv7yb]

​@@misterDjayMDJAnd I was suspect about the "royalties" statement. Actors werent getting royalties back then like they are now. It wasnt until Tom Cruise became HUGE did anyone ever hear about that. But hey, Taimak is still on par with Bruce Lee...imo.

[@ericpetteway3841]

Would love to see taimak and Micheal jai white do a movie together

[@errolthomas9426]

Same here. Osu 🥋👊🏼🐉🐅.

[@damongipson-dg8pc]

They workin on last dragon sequal

[@akiltherealdeal]

Word??@@damongipson-dg8pc

[@jamarcussimmons3044]

They still can

[@AnkhGirl]

That would be amazing.

[@truthfuljones4557]

I was in Okinawa Japan when that movie came out and you could go downtown and buy any movie as soon as it hit the screen. I bought the movie and immediately fell in love with Taimak and The Last Dragon. The movie was passed around the complex and everyone feel in love with it as well. It was time to pass the movie to this white guy in our complex who never liked any move so we decided to let him see it anyway. Later he came running over screaming “ that was the best movie ever”! He also let us know he was in love with Vanity. I still know everything line and song in that movie and I’m almost 60 years old. There is no Last Dragon without Taimak!

[@ehrenthompson7891]

@floridaman5125man was she ! Fine is not the word.

[@carltaylor5251]

Taimak is one of my favorite actors. He could still be a leading man. If only he just had the right opportunity. He can play a lawyer, a business man, a doctor, a military officer etc. The sky's the limit there's nothing that can't do.

[@Supremmo]

You’re right. I could picture him on NCIS, CSI, Blue Bloods or SVU.

[@keithkool8308]

I saw that movie a million times. Still love it!!!

[@livinginthetruthministries7094]

I always wanted to know what happened to Taimak.. I think that Hollywood would have ruined him.. Glad that he didn't make that kinda move because he is appreciated more now than being a Hollywood Star.. God bless him..

[@myahnombre]

I agree. He’s too much a nice guy and a pure soul to be a professional actor in Hollyweird.

[@Imbrotherscott357]

My Respect for the Brother has grown after watching this. I love his devotion to the youth. He seems like a solid person and I’m glad he chose a path of service, spirituality and development of others! Hollywood is not all what it is made up to be and in the end God has you where he wants you to be. Keep up the beautiful work with the youth.✊🏾👊🏾

[@jonelletate6304]

This man is so pure and THAT is why he didn’t fit into Hollywood. His aura and heart is beautiful!

[@spacemanspiralcatzero]

I hope he has no regrets in how his life has turned out. Hollywood may have killed his heart and compassion at a younger age. I wish him the best.

[@akiltherealdeal]

It seems like he did something much more meaningful with his life than Hollywood as he invested in the youth in his community!

[@sejirohero7579]

Straight up.. I still watch the Last Dragon as a 40yr old Martial arts Master born and raised in the South Bronx, NYC. Taimak is an inspiration to all martial artists growing up in NYC and myself. He is once of the major reasons of why I gotten so far in my martial arts journey. I am a Puerto Rican male and I see Taimak as my older Martial arts brother. Thank you 🙏🏽 Brother

[@blacklotusgym]

Same here. Just met taimak yesterday. ❤

[@danielalbizosr]

Im a martial arts master too!

[@mayoralcandidateangelaande6713]

This dude is absolutely gorgeous!

[@vernonnilesjr8752]

Good to see you Taimak still alive and well thank God he didn't fall in the pitfalls of Hollywood and it's very evil too many actors and entertainers have crashed and burned out leading to death and careers ended and he's teaching the arts to kids 😁🙂😇

[@proverbsgal]

Taimak is too real and his heart is too big to waste on Hollywood. He didnt need hollywood, Hollywood needed him for a moment. I hope there i s a Last Dragon sequel while Taimak is still living.....give him his flowers.

[@pauobunyon9791]

Last dragon sequel without Sho nuff ?? Today theyd have a sexually confused gender ambiguous black woman as the villain 😂

[@antwanmills651]

😂😂😂😂right so so sad tho

[@imho5485]

Taimak looks great! His movie career didn’t work out as he’d hoped, but he has managed to make his life work and has stayed out of trouble. Now he’s helping children realize their goals. I hope they’re successful too.

[@djimpossible8117]

"The Last Dragon" sequels should be made with Taimak as Master Leroy and Fikshun (the samurai) as his son or his apprentice... and a lot of dope music in it!

[@Johnelilopez]

This hit me so different…you inspired me as a kid & now as a grown man. I wish this brother nothing but the best, continue shinning bro. Blessing to you, your fam & anyone reading this!!

[@franpinkard3147]

I loved martial arts, Bruce Lee; all his movies; I loved the last dragon movie. I identified with Taimak. He was doing, living the life that I dreamed of living. He has such a humble and caring spirit.Taimak, you were one of my role models and heroes. God bless you my brother.

[@ehrenthompson7891]

Well said

[@heryace9825]

I believe Jim Kelly was the first black man in a major motion picture in Enter the Dragon also black belt Jones. But Tai is definitely an influence. it is always a pleasure seeing his accomplishments.

[@brendanvasquez]

I watched this movie for the first time ever a few months ago and it is now My favorite movie of all time.. I was born in 1999 but I will forever be an old soul wishing I had grew up in the 80’s to experience this era.. amazing time to be alive especially in New York City, despite what everyone says.

[@lenab6031]

I know this movie word for word. This is still one of my favorite movies of all time. I still every now and then watch this movie. Back when I was young I wanted to be Bruce Lee but a girl. I was obsessed with karate. Taimak really should’ve been the bestest star ever. I love this guy still❤

[@alchemicalsoul]

"Ego" or intuition? He was smart not to sign with those devils.

[@DoogieFresh]

I fully expected him to be a huge action hero.

[@johnnybradford4861]

The Last Dragon is the epitome of my childhood... I was 4 years old when that movie hit the screen... I remember going to the theater to watch it with my family... One of my first real memories to be honest... That movie touched everyone in the building... The energy was crazy... All positive... Taimak is forever a legend in his own right!... 💯💪🏾🌹

[@cannonstreetstudios8167]

I loved this man!! My crush! Life happens and sometimes things don't turn out the way we thought it would. But he's still a success because he has his family, health, and spirituality. And guess what? We are still influenced and talking about him today!

[@rosalynmartin519]

I fell in love with him many years ago and was disappointed not to see more of him. I got to hang out with him for one night in 1989. He (and a couple of women) came into the men’s clothing store that I worked in. He was super cool and after I got off work we hung out in the closed mall for about an hour or so. He was genuinely a nice guy. Hope to see more of him. Glad to see he is encouraging our youth.

[@lisahobbs2312]

Taimak if you do a sequel today, I'd still go see it!

[@umojainternational8541]

" Human Dignity is Inviolable". Great Job Taimak for choosing Integrity and Dignity over being used and abused by Hollywood. Thank you very much for setting a great example for us.

[@glam2gobeauty811]

My favorite movie of all time! So thankful I had older sisters who were into everything cool and new in the 80s ❤

[@lisahobbs2312]

Taimak is a beautiful big star, he is doing what God called him to do.

[@TishBaileyMusic]

He still looks like a master to me.

[@halfmanhalfamazing2152]

He is no "Master"!

[@TishBaileyMusic]

@@halfmanhalfamazing2152 clearly not a last dragon fan. I said ‘he looks like a master to me’!!!!

[@omarmunoz4894]

“Who’s the master”

[@kikataye6293]

@@halfmanhalfamazing2152 you clearly didn’t get it lol

[@JosephelLeon]

What a beautiful soul! This man has been a true inspiration in my life.

[@GoneBallistik658]

I met Taimak at The East Coast Black Age Of Comics Convention in Philadelphia back in '08. He's very down to earth.

[@jacobmcleod5885]

To be honest he is one of the few actors that aged backwards. He looks better now than he did in 85. If there ever is a sequel they must most definitely put him in it.

[@fistoflegend1564]

The film wouldn't work without paying some reference to Taimak. The fans would reject the film without him.

[@Youttubi]

@jacobmcleod5885, he looked just as good in the 80s.

[@allieF714]

Wow! This is so amazing. He is the same person on stage and off. Big heart.

[@mujerdechocolate7497]

He still looks good! That’s great!

[@SeanThompsonNaturalBodyWorks]

Man, I loved that movie! Still do! He is a very good man, more power to him.

[@dhare07]

I still grace a copy right now. I was a kid when this movie came out so naturally I connected with them and seeing Keisha Knight Pullium just added to the fun of having a familiar face in the movie. Everything about that film was AWESOME. He's a stand up guy and I hippie he stays away from HELLYWEIRD.

[@patricewilliams3827]

I always had a major crush on this man and still do. Please forgive me, for saying this but it's true. Thank you Tai for being the first black man in martial art and being on the big screen, that will always go down in history. It isn't your fault that HOLLYWOOD slept on you. Don't ever feel bad or look at it as a failure. Always look as a BLESSING. Besides they thought you were good enough to be placed in a movie, so the entire world could see you and being placed on the big screen so we all could know your name. I love 💞 you always and forever. Remember to continue to do what you love. What GOD has for you is for you, and the world can't take it away. #BLESSINGALLAROUNDU🙏🏽🥰❤️😘

[@Allthebest1010]

I can’t see why Taimak can’t get in the many very good series on Netflix. He’s what 55? He still has a lot of time

[@twanagriffin-c3j]

I soooo crushed on him, too when i was younger and I loved The Last Dragon as well. I haven't seen him in a long time and it's wonderful to see the great things he is doing with the young ones. I really felt it when he started to choke up about kids feeling like they don't exist. You are a good man, sir. Keep looking after our youth.

[@lowlowseesee]

many people my age (born in 80), this man was our first black man as a hero. its my fav movie of all times. im black and ive lived in italy so i vibe with him heavy. i still do martial arts to this very day lol

[@aquaticlibrary]

Taimak was the Jim Kelly of the late 80s in just one movie. A shame he didn’t do more movies

[@GNeeNee]

Man not being in Hollywood is the blessing!…moving on past Hollywood is the real flex and not getting sucked into the “powers that be” big up Taimak!

[@tbreeze79]

What's crazy to me is Taimak is 50 years old in this video. He looks amazing.

[@determined2win585]

He's GORGEOUS inside & out!!

[@perrypointer4670]

I like this brothers heart, he has a big one.

[@shadowki1647]

"The Last Dragon" is a classic martial arts film and a favorite of many. I still remember 1987 and going to the movies and watching it. I was practicing Tang Soo Do back then and now I teach my own style American Chuan Fa Kung Fu Eastern Style. Thank you Taimak. 🙂

[@lordpatricia001]

Still watching The Last Dragon to this day! TaImak, I'm so happy you did this video, I always wondered what happened to you! #taimakfanforever

[@danteduruisseau6854]

He is to true at heart for the evils of Hollyweird.

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

I met him personally in NYC 14 street super nice guy he stopped a talked or about fifteen minutes. That really surprised and impressed me. Nota trace of ego. He was obviously on his way somewhere but took time out to talk to a fan.

[@davidbelton1769]

I liked the movie so much, I was waiting for the sequel. It never came. Such a good guy.

[@thinktank4768]

I had a crush on him in the eighties. ☝🏽👩🏽‍🦱🇺🇸

[@cher_sh]

My children watched your awesome movie, The Last Dragon, very frequently, of all the movies, this movie was their #1. You hero to them. Thank you for sharing your talents with our family. Hope you continue your journey with more movies. We still watch this incredible movie.

[@rwccjr]

He was blackballed for not taking that deal . That producer sit up there talking about ego but they tried to give him a bad deal just like everyone else

[@brazyfilmo3121]

Yea man they love doing that making the person seem crazy. He didn’t wanna sellout. Berry Gordy tried to play him.

[@lisahobbs2312]

Taimak you are such an inspiration.

[@jessejohnson6799]

It's great that's he's still around

[@CLKenrick]

They can make a Last Dragoon 2 Tamiak still looks great for his age.

[@601marcusable]

it's a shame it didn't make a sequel!

[@Challenger17353]

They should make a remake of that movie and bring him back as LeRoy, as though the old was never made. This is 2023, new technologies, better writing. They need to make it up to this man.

[@teliclikeitis]

I hope so too. Still fine. I love the movie. I can watch it over and over.

[@jerrymunoz7121]

This is the first time I hear of Taimak and after watching this video, he left a great impression on my heart as gift and blessing, a talented, gifted actor who can easily be a major action/lead actor giving the chance, God bless you for making such a difference in young people’s lives, and caring for people, a great man, so loving it’s evident you have a great heart and it speaks a thousand words all that you’re doing!

[@fistoflegend1564]

Oh yeah, this is your first time hearing of Taimak. OK, this fabulous Jerry. I'm honored I could play a small part sharing this experience with you. You blessed me with your comment. Thank you for sharing👍🏿

[@1loveshonuff]

My favorite movie hands down. The first movie my mom took me to see😊

[@1888swordsman]

Legend and inspiration. Deepest respect. Thank you for sharing your life with us

[@borgullet3376]

Nicest "Movie Star " I ever met. And I met A Lot..Imho his Heart is Way Too Big for the shallowness of tinsile town. He's home here, back east, where we Need him.. - GOD Bless & Keep That Brother🙏🏼

[@ebonybell6558]

I will remember this movie always. It was the first movie i ever went to see in the theatre. I fell in love with Taimack immediately lol. Definitely a Blassic.

[@darjohn9550]

My goodness that man still looks great!! I'm going to watch this with my 25 year old son for our next movie night and I can't wait for the sequel if Taimak will be in it.

[@justingause5501]

We need THE LAST DRAGON RETURS

[@ATLANTASOWNSMOOTHTMACK]

One of my childhood heroes

[@RaySierra]

I remember this movie very well.i watched it over and over. it was huge in its day,i wondered why he didn't make more moves?....i remember reading in the martial arts magazines back in 1986-87 that him (taimak) and kurt McKinney,from (no retreat no surrender) were going cinema awol....kurt McKinney was another one who kinda disappeared,(at least from martial arts movies)though he was on The soap opera "as the world turns"

[@fistoflegend1564]

That's interesting. I'll have to watch that one. Thanks for sharing 👍🏿

[@rons9946]

I met this outstanding individual at a convention in Philly a great man truly and I say this as a Sr. citizen a disabled veteran and former martial artist

[@roselynholloway7863]

How are you now

[@milagrosrivera5748]

Hi Taimak..greetings from Jacksonville Florida 🏖🌴 ☀..you are a great talent and I think Hollywood should had offered you more roles but what you have been doing in your life is great. Helping these children that are lost and have no guidance. That's one good thing that you are doing. And it shows that you are a compassionate and caring person. .. and if there is no sequel to " The Last Dragon" you can write your own. Good luck and much success in all you do 😊

[@aaronwelch5561]

One of my all time favorite martial arts movies ever right up there with Bruce lee’s movies and one of the great movies from the eighties

[@fistoflegend1564]

I agree Aaron, this is one of my favorite martial arts movies from that 80s era and all time. 1985 was a golden year for this film to hit theaters. Last Dragon paid homage to those old Kung Fu films of the 70s. As for Taimak, no other martial artist has ever shared such a genuine connection to Bruce Lee🐉

[@terezahoward4008]

He was too wholesome for Hollywood. You have to read between the lines.

[@lisahobbs2312]

Taimak you are still gorgeous!

[@briankasai1117]

Love this man!!! My life is quite similar. I completely relate and am thankful to know of our similarities.

[@cherrydonner5298]

❤❤❤❤love him. He is doing what he was meant to do. That movie has airways been my fav. I still have it

[@ehrenthompson7891]

I met Taimak once. He seemed like a genuine guy.

[@MrBlackace66]

I saw the movie and loved it and looked forward to another one. 😊😊😊😊

[@michellehill1084]

❤😅😅😊😊😊My ultimate cult classic Last Dragon!!!! Taimak you did good ❤ You are the real deal. 😊😊

[@Dee-t7v2k]

Awesome Amazing Gracefulness Team Taimak ✌️👊👊👣🕺❤ Blessings Always 👑🥋🎭🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆👏👏👏👏👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@vincentcalderon6116]

Tomack, my brother man you reached me you touched me through the authenticity that you showed in that interview you have that which you displayed and continued blessings in which you’re teaching and trying to inspire these kids to do touching brother Real human being stuff and very humbling✌🏾👏🏾🙏🏾

[@1loveshonuff]

That was his calling to inspire and teach the youth. ❤

[@generationx-man6539]

Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon became one of my favorite Martial Arts movies since Easter Sunday April 7, 1985

[@tiffanygreer9264]

Taimak is one of the finest men I’d ever seen but I hate how Hollywood did him but Hollywood ain’t for everybody because ain’t no telling how he would have ended up

[@nia39]

TAIMAK a true hero.

[@stevenmartin2922]

Thanks for sharing. I figured it was the business and not the man. Glad he came out ahead!

[@JustJay133]

Still one of my favorite childhood martial arts movies!!! Who’s tha Master!?! I am!!!

[@baomin60]

I wish Taimak his heart's desire...may his every dream come to fruition. BTW, many of us already see you as a star. 🙏🏾🌟

[@pjay6746]

TBH - I'm glad he didn't take that deal. He would have been typecasted. As a teen, I was interested only because Taimak was (and still is) fine and I'm was (and still) a Prince fan. Denise Matthews (Vanity) left Prince and the girlfriend role on Purple Rain - I wanted to see if she could act. I liked the Bruce Leroy character, but the rest to me was corny (and I liked them old marshall arts movies). A sequel would've flopped. I'm surprised they didn't mention his role on A Different World. He was good - took me awhile to like him again after seeing that episode.

[@mixeduniverse111]

He had it all! Looks, smarts,Talent and perfect for movies. It's a dog eat dog career. He got black balled.

[@ibeethatoneguy7807]

One day bout last year I was walking thru a Walmart and saw Last Dragon DVD on a rack and it was the last copy, I grabbed that shit so fast. I grew up with this movie and love it to death

[@fistoflegend1564]

I understand that. A lot of people nowadays like to stream, but it's still something magical ✨️ about holding that physical copy📀.

[@Jamiepyt7]

He is still fine!!!!! He was my first movie crush!! lol 🥰😍

[@darnisejennings9138]

What an amazing man ❤

[@eliotquintana9802]

Like taimka talent martial arts hero you cool

[@regt7748]

Man.. Taimak was cool!! I’m so glad when I found out he was good and doing his thing.

[@davidawilliams252]

This came up in my feed VERY randomly. I had forgotten about him. Shame on me. With some coaching, he could have become a very big acting star. But maybe it is better that it didn't happen.

[@ghanasoul]

I love how everyone forgets Jim Kelly. Jim Kelly was BEFORE Taimak. We have a short memory. Jim was a black martial artist movie star.

[@mskinalenee]

He definitely should been huge like Jean Claude Van Dam and Steven Segall far as doing martial arts in movies, I don’t think he had the right people around him far as mentorship. Plus they knew he was young, considered him naive so they took advantage of that. I hate the sequels didn’t happen.

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

No he should not have. Just because he was cute and could fight doesn't make him an automatic candidate for HOLieWOOD stardom.

[@LatoyaLlab]

I’ve lived him since The Last Dragon. Such a humble person