The first glimpse of the Colgate smile and Adonis physique of Taimak as Bruce Leroy Green in “The Last Dragon” caused an epidemic of lovesickness among young impressionable girls and grown-behind women alike that has spanned for nearly 30 years. Throughout the years, Taimak (pronounced tie-mok) has been pretty low key, starring in off-Broadway plays, teaching martial arts and traveling the world. As he gears up to share his story on TV One’s “Life After,” ESSENCE.com caught up with the heartthrob to talk about the role that changed his life, surviving dark moments, and what really happened between him and his former leading ladies Vanity and Janet Jackson.
ESSENCE.COM: Taimak “Will you show me some moves?” Guarriello, where the heck have you been?
TAIMAK:(Laughs.) I’ve been embracing everything that’s good and bad. Doing theatre, teaching, and growing as a human being.
ESSENCE.COM: Why haven’t we seen much of you on the big screen since that film?
TAIMAK: Hollywood just wasn’t giving me a break. I used to ask myself, “What energy am I putting out that might be preventing me from getting work?”, I know I’m not perfect by any margin, but I do think I’m talented and can contribute as an actor.I even thought, do I have to be dark-skinned, play basketball, football, rap talk “Black”?Back in the day I believe that Black men were more worldly and open to different things other then just that. It was okay for them to have many different perspectives and interest; I think “Hollywood” was looking for one kind of brother. It’s a kind of club, and until you know how to play the game you’re not going to be let in. So I decided I wasn’t going to pursue Hollywood anymore and that’s when I began to enjoy acting and life in general.
ESSENCE.COM: So what did you discover since that happened?
TAIMAK: I’ve been in conversation with Kerry Gordy, Berry Gordy’s son, about the Sony Pictures remake of “The Last Dragon” and my role in it, Samuel L. Jackson is signed to play Sho’nuff. This time around they didn’t include so much comedy, and they’re still looking for a director and Bruce Leroy and more. Although I can’t speak on my role, it will be something completely different, but they’ve been really great about consulting with me and asking for my input.
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REMOVE THAT SCARF! YOUR HANDSOME!
Awww…
