Early Life and Education of Danny Trejo: A Complete Timeline

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

Danny Trejo is an American actor known for his tough-guy roles, often portraying criminals, gangsters, or inmates. His career began in 1985 with a role in Runaway Train, followed by Death Wish 4: The Crackdown. He subsequently appeared in numerous films, including Desperado, Heat, From Dusk till Dawn, Con Air, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico. He is recognized for his distinctive appearance and prolific filmography.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1922: Dionisio "Dan" Trejo's Birth

In 1922, Dionisio "Dan" Trejo, Danny Trejo's father, was born.

May 16, 1944: Danny Trejo Born

On May 16, 1944, Danny Trejo was born in Los Angeles, California.

1949: Living with Cousins

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

1949: Separation from Mother

In 1949, Danny Trejo was separated from his mother, Delores, until 1965 due to an incident where he sprained his arm while in her care.

1956: First Incarceration

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

1959: Imprisonment

Beginning in 1959, Danny Trejo did time in numerous California prisons between 1959 and 1969.

1961: Met Charles Manson

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

1962: Marriage to Laura

In 1962, Danny Trejo married Laura after being released from Youth Training School. Her parents disapproved, so they married in his backyard.

1965: Reunion with Mother

In 1965, Danny Trejo reunited with his mother, Delores, after being separated since 1949.

1966: Arrival at San Quentin

In 1966, Danny Trejo arrived at San Quentin State Prison, and his heroin use escalated shortly thereafter.

1968: Prison Riot and Capital Charges

In 1968, Danny Trejo ended up in solitary confinement facing capital charges and potentially the death penalty after hitting a guard with a rock during a prison riot at Soledad.

July 1969: Release 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: Imprisonment

Ending in 1969, Danny Trejo did time in numerous California prisons between 1959 and 1969.

1971: Marriage to Debbie Schipek

In 1971, Danny Trejo married Debbie Schipek.

1972: End of Final Term in Custody (Conflicting Account)

According to one account, 1972 marked the end of Danny Trejo's final term in custody.

1975: Divorce from Debbie Schipek and Marriage to Joanne Discuillo

In 1975, Danny Trejo divorced Debbie Schipek and married Joanne Discuillo.

1978: Relationship with Diana Walton

In 1978, Danny Trejo began a relationship with Diana Walton

1978: Divorce from Joanne Discuillo

In 1978, Danny Trejo divorced Joanne Discuillo.

1981: Birth of son Danny

In 1981, Danny Trejo's son Danny was born from a relationship with Diana Walton.

1983: End of relationship with Diana Walton

In 1983, Danny Trejo's relationship with Diana Walton ended.

1986: Relationship with Maeve Crommie

In 1986, Danny Trejo began a relationship with Maeve Crommie.

1988: Birth of son Gilbert

In 1988, Danny Trejo's son Gilbert was born from a relationship with Maeve Crommie.

1990: Birth of daughter Danielle

In 1990, Danny Trejo's daughter Danielle was born from a relationship with Maeve Crommie.

1997: Marriage to Debbie Shreve

In 1997, Danny Trejo married Debbie Shreve.

1997: End of relationship with Maeve Crommie

In 1997, Danny Trejo's relationship with Maeve Crommie ended.

1999: Contracting Hepatitis C

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

2001: Bubble Boy and Health Issues

By the time of Bubble Boy in 2001, Danny Trejo's Hepatitis C had progressed, and he was struggling with his health during production.

September 2002: Recovery by Spy Kids Premiere

By the time Spy Kids premiered in September 2002, Danny Trejo had fully recovered from his illness.

2005: Separation from Debbie Shreve

In 2005, Danny Trejo separated from Debbie Shreve.

2009: Filing for divorce from Debbie Shreve

In 2009, Danny Trejo filed for divorce from Debbie Shreve.

2010: Battling liver cancer

In 2010, Danny Trejo battled liver cancer.

2011: Moving to the San Fernando Valley

In 2011, Danny Trejo moved to the San Fernando Valley to be closer to his mother after she sustained a knee injury.

2011: Sober for 42 Years

In 2011, Danny Trejo recalled that he had been sober for the previous 42 years, indicating he overcame his drug addiction.

January 2016: Opening of Trejo's Tacos restaurant

In January 2016, Danny Trejo opened his first taco restaurant on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, along with his own brands of beer, coffee, and merchandise.