Exclusive: Taimak Talks The Last Dragon: 30 Years Laterby Wilson Morales
March 20, 2015
Can you believe that in a few days it will be the 30th anniversary of Berry Gordy’s urban classic, The Last Dragon.
Released in theaters on March 22, 1985 and directed by Michael Schultz (Car Wash , Jaws III), the film starred a number of fresh faces to the film world, including Taimak, Julius J. Carry III, Vanity (Denise Katrina Matthews), Chris Murney, Leo O’Brien, Glen Eaton, Mike Starr, Ernie Reyes, Jr., Jim Moody, and Faith Prince. Having smaller roles in the film were Chazz Palminteri, William H. Macy, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Keshia Knight Pulliam.
The film tells the story of Leroy Green aka “Bruce Leroy,’ a teenager from New York, and his journey to finding “the master” to get to the highest level of martial arts known as the “Golden Glow.” Along the way, he must fight an evil martial arts expert called Sho Nuff and rescue a beautiful singer from an obsessed music promoter.
Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, it became a hit, grossing more than $25 million at the box office and featured the hit song “Rhythm of the Night”, written by Diane Warren and performed by DeBarge. Today, the film still plays on television and cable channels all over the world.
For Taimak, who was a 19 year-old Black Belt making his feature debut, the role would leave a lasting impression with many. Throughout the years, he’s worked as an actor, stuntman, and instructor.
Now 50, Taimak is still actively working, while attending film festivals. Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Taimak on the film’s anniversary.
Did you ever think you would be still talking about this film 30 years later?
Taimak: I didn’t think so much about 30 years. I thought more about 5 or 10 years, but never 30 years in that people would be still talking about it.
When you first starred in the film, did you ever wonder if it would be considered a classic in the eyes to many?
Taimak: I was a kid and in terms of classic, I didn’t think in those terms. I knew it was a great movie but not so much about its future and it being a classic.
What was the exciting thing about doing the film?
Taimak: My dream was to be a superhero since I was eight years old and it was a dream come true. I was fulfilling a dream and it was surreal. I grew up running home to see Batman and Spider-Man and all these TV shows, and then eventually came Bruce Lee. By the time I got cast in the film, I was blown away.
Back in the 80’s people had been watching Kung Fu martial arts with Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and the Shaw Bros. films. The Last Dragon came along and introduced martial arts to a younger and new audience, including urban folks.
Taimak: I still hear it from a number Black martial artists and champions and that’s what happened. They tell me that the film changed their life, from Quinton Jackson of the MMA world to so many people.
Has there been ups and downs in terms of your career since the film?
Taimak: It’s funny you should ask that. I’m writing a book about my own life story and that will be out at the end of this summer, but the end is yet to come. Trust me. It was a combination of so many things. There were so many dynamics that came into play. Was why there never a Black president before we got Obama? Everything has a time and a place and it was made for us to be on the phone talking about The Last Dragon. It’s a film that deals with many things such as racism and color in a genius way. It was about the bad guy wanting to be a great fighter and the good guy having to learn how to be a great person not just a fighter, but all of those things.
Have you kept in touch with the cast over the years?
Taimak: Some of them are no longer with us, including Julius J. Carry III and Leo O’Brien, but with the other ones, we touch base periodically. We met recently at the 30th Anniversary pre-party where we had a screening and a lot of fans showed up.
How amazing is it that you’re still being called upon to come to conventions and there’s a line of folks wanting to see you?
Taimak: That’s an amazing thing when there’s generations of families and fans that come out to these conventions and some stop by and talk to me and about the film. I’m honored by that.
Are you happy with how life has treated you?
Taimak: I’ve never been in a better place than now. Today, I’m in a position where I can make anything I want happen. I couldn’t have said that five years ago.
On Sat March 21st, The Urban Action Showcase and Expo has joined forces with the Unfolding Dream Organization, Khalil Maasi, and Njia Film Works to bring The Last Dragon 30th Anniversary Celebration to Newark, NJ.
Come celebrate 30 years of the Motown meets Martial Arts Cult Classic at the Cityplex 12 Cinemas Cinemas on Saturday March 21st from 12 noon to 5pm! There will be autograph and photo opportunities with Taimak as well as an exclusive fan Screening followed by a Q&A after the film!
Clip – Movie Theatre Scene
