Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Danny Trejo

How Danny Trejo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Danny Trejo is an American actor born and raised in Los Angeles. His acting career took off in 1985 with a role in Runaway Train, followed by Death Wish 4: The Crackdown. He became known for playing tough characters, often inmates, gangsters, or criminals. Trejo has appeared in numerous films including Desperado, Heat, From Dusk till Dawn, Con Air, The Replacement Killers, Reindeer Games, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1966: Arrival at San Quentin State Prison

In 1966, Danny Trejo arrived at San Quentin State Prison, where he exacerbated his heroin use and became involved in debt collection, drug dealing, and violence. He also focused on boxing and became a champion in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

1973: Substance Abuse Counselor

Since 1973, Danny Trejo has worked as a substance abuse counselor.

1985: Assistance on Runaway Train Set

In 1985, Danny Trejo received a call from a patient, seeking assistance with cocaine problems on the set of "Runaway Train". This led to his involvement in the film industry.

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1985: Runaway Train Role

In 1985, Danny Trejo's film career began when he landed a role in the movie "Runaway Train".

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1987: First Credited Role in Death Wish 4

In 1987, Danny Trejo received his first credited role as Art Sanella in the film "Death Wish 4: The Crackdown".

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1989: Earnings as a Film Extra

By 1989, Danny Trejo was earning up to $700 per month as a film extra. He believes his appearance on television helped him as a drug counselor because clients would recognize him as an actor.

1990: Early Film Roles

By 1990, Danny Trejo had made a dozen films, including "Death Wish 4: The Crackdown", and "Marked for Death".

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1991: Offered Role in American Me

In 1991, Edward James Olmos offered Danny Trejo the role of Pedro Santana in "American Me", but Trejo chose to take a role in "Blood In, Blood Out" instead. In 2021, Trejo stated that he believes Olmos has yet to accept him as a serious actor.

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1993: Role in Last Light

In 1993, Danny Trejo had a part in "Last Light", Kiefer Sutherland's directorial debut, after being cast in an episode of "Baywatch".

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1995: Roles in Desperado and Heat

In 1995, Danny Trejo appeared in the films "Desperado" and "Heat", playing small parts as criminals.

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1996: Role in From Dusk till Dawn

In 1996, Danny Trejo appeared in the film "From Dusk till Dawn", continuing to portray roles as criminals.

1996: Filming Le Jaguar and Anaconda

In 1996, Danny Trejo was cast in "Le Jaguar" and reunited with Jon Voight for "Anaconda", both of which were filmed in Manaus, Brazil. Later, while filming in Venezuela, Trejo negotiated a higher salary due to safety concerns.

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1997: Role in Con Air

In 1997, Danny Trejo appeared in the film "Con Air", in a small role as a criminal.

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1998: Role in The Replacement Killers

In 1998, Danny Trejo appeared in the film "The Replacement Killers", where he played another small role as a criminal.

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2000: Role in Reindeer Games

In 2000, Danny Trejo continued to play small roles as criminals, appearing in the film "Reindeer Games".

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2000: Debut as Machete in Spy Kids

In 2000, Danny Trejo debuted as Isador "Machete" Cortez in "Spy Kids". He had the opportunity to collaborate with Robert Rodriguez, Antonio Banderas, and Cheech Marin. This role provided him with worldwide recognition.

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2001: Appeared in Spy Kids Franchise

In 2001, Danny Trejo appeared in the Robert Rodriguez-directed "Spy Kids" franchise as Isador "Machete" Cortez.

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2003: Continued Spy Kids Role

In 2003, Danny Trejo continued his role in the Robert Rodriguez-directed "Spy Kids" franchise as Isador "Machete" Cortez.

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2003: Role in Once Upon a Time in Mexico

In 2003, Danny Trejo played a small role as a criminal in the film "Once Upon a Time in Mexico".

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2004: Voice Acting in Def Jam: Fight for NY

In 2004, Danny Trejo provided his voice for himself in the video game "Def Jam: Fight for NY".

2010: Machete Spin-off

In 2010, Danny Trejo reprised his role as Machete in the spin-off exploitation action film "Machete" as the protagonist.

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2010: Starring in Machete

In 2010, Danny Trejo starred in a full theatrical release of the film "Machete", based on the character Isador "Machete" Cortez.

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2011: Action Film Recoil

In 2011, Danny Trejo appeared in the action film "Recoil" as Drayke Selgado, alongside Steve Austin. He also played the role of the Ripper in Cross.

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2012: Starring in Bad Ass

In 2012, Danny Trejo starred alongside Ron Perlman and Charles S. Dutton in the Craig Moss action film "Bad Ass". He played Frank Vega. That same year, Trejo appeared again with Ron Perlman, in a supporting role as Romero 'Romeo' Parada on season four of the FX television drama "Sons of Anarchy".

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2013: Documented Life

In 2013, Danny Trejo shared his tumultuous journey from convict to film star with KTTV in Los Angeles, in a segment filmed in his home. His life is documented in the independent biographical film, Champion, featuring some of his close friends.

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