“Martial arts should be something you learn on a spiritual basis – finding your inner passions and the spirit that can drive you to be the best person you can be in every area of your life.” Taimak
Star of the 1985 Motown-produced cult classic, The Last Dragon, we welcome Taimak to our first podcast of 2018. Taimak Guarriello was only 19 when he made his starring-role debut as the wise kung fu kid ‘Bruce’ Leroy Green – protector of ‘the Glow’ and arch-rival to the flamboyant Sho’nuff, the Shogun of Harlem – in Berry Gordy’s weird and wonderful action fantasy. It’s a fun mix of martial arts and music, but the shoot wasn’t always smooth, and Taimak explains some of the on-set disputes, rivalries and relationships which fuelled the production. He discusses working with legendary music mogul, Berry Gordy, and his co-stars Julius Carry and Vanity. But we also talk about his tough upbringing in New York and London, where his bohemian parents introduced him to many of the major celebrities of the time, including the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Andy Warhol and David Bowie. He was inspired by Bruce Lee and Shaw Brothers films, and even trained under the legendary ‘Black Dragon’ himself, Ron Van Clief. Taimak has remained true to the martial arts ever since, and he continues to train all the time as well as make his own movies, including a pseudo-sequel to The Last Dragon, called Master. You can read more about Master on the film’s Indiegogo page. You can also keep up-to-date with all of Taimak’s activities by following him on Instagram and Twitter. His book, Taimak, The Last Dragon, is also a great read and worth checking out if you want to learn more about the martial arts star. Here’s where you can buy it on Amazon.
Also on this episode, I spend a bit of time chatting to the actor, fitness trainer and filmmaker, Daniel Lue. Daniel has just made his own kung fu movie, called Kung Fu Theatre, and he contacted the show to talk about it. Its a zero-budget tribute to the old-school kung fu movies he loved in his youth, and you can watch it for free on Amazon. You can also follow Daniel via Instagram and Twitter. A big thank you to George Dennis for his ongoing technical support.
Actor and filmmaker, Taimak Guarriello.
The poster for Master, starring Taimak.
Sho’nuff (Julius Carry) gets ‘Bruce’ Leroy Green (Taimak) into a headlock in this production still from Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon (1985).
Glen Eaton, Berry Gordy, Taimak and Leo O’Brien at the Los Angeles premiere of The Last Dragon in 1985.
The actor and filmmaker, Daniel Lue.
The poster for Kung Fu Theatre – written, directed, produced by and starring Daniel Lue. Available now for free on Amazon.
