Taimak grew up in New York City until he was seven years old. Coming from an interracial background (African American and Italian) his parents chose to move him, 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 Taimak and his family on a tour of the set of “Roma” where he also met another film legend Vincent Minnelli. They eventually moved back to New York City where he delved deeper into martial arts training. At 18 years of age, 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 and Malcolm and Eddie.
He took a hiatus from Hollywood to write and make his directorial debut with a film noir detective story titled “I’ve Seen Things”. He created a wellness program for young people in 2009 https://www.unfoldingdream.org. He also delivers numerous seminars in “at risk” communities around the country. He is working on his autobiography and will announce this year its release.
Taimak says ”I am blessed beyond measure to have had the opportunity to do so much and I hope to inspire and entertain some more, I am clear that the best is yet to come”.
Special news!!!
Incorgito publishing just completed a deal with Taimak for his autobiography to be release in March, 2016.