----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JULY'S FAN OF THE MONTH Name: David Tapia Age: 16 City/State: Chicago, IL (but born in L.A.) How long have you been a Tanoai Reed fan? I've been a Tanoai fan since the air of American Gladiators. How did you become a Tanoai Reed fan? I became a Tanoai fan since I saw the commercials of American Gladiators. I was a bit skeptic at first about the show but later on I began to like it. Of course, my favorite gladiator became Toa. Also, after Tanoai did his unforgettable version of the Haka, Ka mate, I became a fan of his and his rich culture. After seeing him recite the Haka, I too wanted to know it and know more about it. I researched it, learned it (even pronunciation and spelling), and practiced it, until later on when I recited it also to a few of my friends. Later, I e-mailed Tanoai through his MySpace page and sent him my research about the Haka and told him how I learned it and all. He was very impressed by the fact that I took the time to research it and learn it. I became very inspired by him and now every time I see American Gladiators I'm always reminded that with a lot of hard work and effort, you can do and achieve anything you want if you put your mind to it. Have you ever met Tanoai? Unfortunately, no. It would be a great honor if I could meet him someday though. But, until then I'll still be cheering him on from the small screen. What was your first impression? At first when I saw Tanoai in the American Gladiators commercials, I thought that the whole "Toa" character was nothing but a Hollywood gimmick (like I said I was skeptic at first lol). But, later after I did some research, I got a whole new perspective on his true being. Now, I see him as a down to Earth, hard working, successful, family man who does nothing but try his best knowing that whatever he does, he comes out a winner knowing that he is supported by his friends, family, and fans all the way. (This coming from the idea of the Haka, Ka mate. " I may live, I may die, but I'll always be victorious".) What do you like most about Tanoai? What I like most about Tanoai is that he is very down to Earth. He isn't big headed and doesn't let all the glitz and glamour go to his head. I also like that he is very skilled and athletic and serves as a great example and reason to be fit and healthy. Withought his inspiration, I might not have taken exercise and health seriously and might not have been in the good shape I am today. Another great attribute is that he seems to be a great father and husband to his family. He is a great role model to many, young and old, and shows that with hard work comes great success. The fact that he never quits, tries his best, and knows how to have fun during his job really makes it a spectacle to see him and let him inspire us all. Of all of his projects, which is your favorite? Well before I knew Tanoai from American Gladiators, I really didn't know he stared in any films. But, now that I do know, I would say that my favorite of his projects would still be American Gladiators. The way he brings all of his skills from stunt making in the movies he's stared in and knows how to "roll with a punch" really makes it a great attribute to the show. In the show, I would say that my favorite stunt he did was when he leaped and twisted of the platform of Tilt right before he fell off after being pulled off the platform by the contender. If Tanoai were to star in his own movie, what type of movie would that be and who would be the best actress to play his leading lady? If Tanoai were to star in his own movie, it would have to be in an action filled one. The setting would be great if it took place in places such as where "The Rundown" or the "Jurassic Park" trilogy. None the less, it would be great either way if he stared in an action packed and suspenseful movie. It would be awesome if he could be the main character or had the lead role. With his movie and action scene making experience, I think he would make a great actor in any movie. I think someone like Angelina Jolie would be a good female partner to work with. With all the action filled scenes where she stared in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", she would make a great partner. Overall, with the great experience Tanoai has in the movie industry, I bet he would be one of the greatest action stars that could hit the big screen! One more comment on Tanoai: Tanoai has been doing great so far as "Toa" on American Gladiators and I think that his success will only be growing from there. It's so great that a talent like Tanoai is being recognized more and more each day that way maybe someday we WILL see him on the big screen someday. With the support from all his friends, family, and fans, I'm sure that he'll be able to accomplish anything he puts his mind to. Tanoai really shows that we all have that "Toa" spirit inside, no matter our age or size. As long as the human spirit lives on, we can all venture out through that horizon and achieve what we thought was never possible. Your personal message to Tanoai: Talofa Tanoai!!! It's your uso David from Chicago! Well I want to congratulate you for all your hard work that you've done so far. Your hard work will keep paying off more and more as time goes by my friend. As long as you know that your friends, family, and fans keep cheering you on and sending you lots of alofa, you'll never go wrong in any choice that you make that comes from your heart. You're a great sensation on American Gladiators, and you'll be an even greater sensation once you hit the big screen real soon hopefully. You have taught me so many things and inspired me very much. Without knowing you I would have never done the things that I never would have done because of my fear and laziness. Because of you I've tried so many new things. I tried out for the soccer team now which I couldn't do because of my fear of failing. I made exercise and fitness a big part of my life thanks to you now. I've also been able to conquer and face my fear of flying. Now, because of you, I'll finally be able to get on that plane and fly and visit my hometown of Los Angeles, California which I haven't visited for thirteen years! You have inspired me so much and I thank you for that. You have been and still are a great inspiration to us all. Hopefully down the road, I may have the honor of meeting you face to face one day and thanking you in person and get to know you better. I really wish you the best of luck uso and hope that you and your family will always have everything you need. Ia manuia in everything you do man. Great job on American Gladiators also, hopefully this isn't the last we see of Gladiator Arena and the all mighty Toa! Lots of alofa uso and faafetai tele lava for all that you've done and taught me. I also want to thank you for your inspirational words you sent me after I sent you my research on the Haka. Keep working hard and never give up man! lol I promise you that I'll keep trying to learn that Samoan language!Faafetai tele lava again, ia manuia, lots of alofa to you and the aiga! Take care uso and until then God bless! Tofa soifua and LONG LIVE THE SAMOAN WARRIOR TOA!!!!!!!! Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! Tenei te tangata puhuru huru Nana nei i tiki mai Whakawhiti te ra A upa ... ne! ka upa ... ne! A upane kaupane whiti te ra! (The Haka "Ka mate" dedicated to a great inspiration, Tanoai Reed.) Go Back

Home | Bookmark The Site