Early Life and Education of Danny Trejo: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 13, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Danny Trejo. A timeline of key moments.

Danny Trejo is a prolific American character actor whose films have collectively grossed over $3.7 billion worldwide. He is known for his tough-guy roles and distinctive appearance. Trejo has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1922: Father's Birth Year

In 1922, Dionisio "Dan" Trejo, Danny Trejo's father, was born. He later worked as a construction worker.

May 16, 1944: Danny Trejo Born

On May 16, 1944, Danny Trejo was born in Maywood, California, to Mexican-American parents, Delores Rivera King and Dionisio "Dan" Trejo.

1949: Shared Room with Cousins

By 1949, Danny Trejo was sharing a room with his cousins at their grandmother's house.

1949: Separation from Mother and Half-Sister

In 1949, Danny Trejo was separated from his mother, Delores, and his maternal half-sister, Dyhan, after he sprained his arm in his mother's care. His father banned his mother from seeing him.

1956: First Incarceration

In 1956, Danny Trejo experienced his first incarceration at Eastlake Juvenile Hall.

1959: Incarceration in California Prisons

Between 1959 and 1969, Danny Trejo was incarcerated in numerous California prisons.

1961: Met Charles Manson in Jail

In 1961, while in Los Angeles County jail, Danny Trejo met Charles Manson.

1965: Reunion with Mother and Half-Sister

In 1965, Danny Trejo reunited with his mother, Delores, and his maternal half-sister, Dyhan, after being separated since 1949.

1966: Arrival at San Quentin

In 1966, Danny Trejo arrived at San Quentin State Prison, where his heroin use increased. He also focused on boxing and became a champion in the prison's lightweight and welterweight divisions.

1968: Prison Riot and Solitary Confinement

In 1968, during a Cinco de Mayo prison riot at Soledad, Danny Trejo ended up in solitary confinement and faced capital charges after hitting a guard with a rock. While in solitary, Trejo found faith and became a member of a 12-step program.

July 1969: Released from Custody

In July 1969, Danny Trejo was released from custody and returned to Pacoima, Los Angeles, after serving five years of a 10-year prison sentence.

1969: Incarceration in California Prisons

Between 1959 and 1969, Danny Trejo was incarcerated in numerous California prisons.

1972: Final Term in Custody

According to one account, Danny Trejo's final term in custody ended in 1972.

1999: Contracted Hepatitis C

In 1999, after finishing Animal Factory, Danny Trejo contracted Hepatitis C.

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2001: Filming Bubble Boy with Hepatitis C

By the time of Bubble Boy in 2001, Danny Trejo's Hepatitis C had progressed to the point that much of the cast had noticed his weight loss. He states that his past drug use had caught up with him. He was struggling to remember lines due to prescription medication.

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