Danny Trejo is an American actor known for his distinctive appearance and tough-guy roles. His career began in 1985, and he gained recognition for his roles in films like "Runaway Train" and "Death Wish 4: The Crackdown." He has since become a prolific character actor, often portraying criminals or other gritty characters in movies like "Desperado," "Heat," "From Dusk till Dawn," and "Con Air." His career demonstrates a consistent presence in the action and crime film genres.
1922: Birth of Danny Trejo's Father
Danny Trejo's father, Dionisio "Dan" Trejo, was born in 1922.
1943: Meeting of Danny Trejo's Parents
Danny Trejo's parents, Delores Rivera King and Dionisio Trejo, met at a dance hall in Highland Park, Los Angeles in 1943.
May 16, 1944: Birth of Danny Trejo
Danny Trejo was born on May 16, 1944, in Los Angeles, California.
1949: Moving in with Grandmother and Abuse
By 1949, at the age of five, Danny Trejo moved in with his grandmother and cousins, sharing a room. During this time, he experienced abuse from his father. His stepmother, Alice Mendias, provided solace and comfort.
1949: Separation from Mother and Half-Sister
From 1949 until 1965, Danny Trejo was separated from his mother, Delores, and half-sister, Dyhan, due to his father's restrictions.
1956: First Incarceration at Eastlake Juvenile Hall
At the age of 12, in 1956, Danny Trejo experienced his first incarceration at Eastlake Juvenile Hall.
1959: Incarceration in California Prisons
Starting in 1959, Danny Trejo faced a period of recurring incarcerations in various California prisons, including San Quentin, Folsom, Soledad, Vacaville, Susanville, and Sierra.
1961: Encounter with Charles Manson
While imprisoned in Los Angeles County jail in 1961, Danny Trejo crossed paths with Charles Manson, whom he described as a "dirty, greasy, scrawny white boy" with alleged hypnotic abilities.
1962: Marriage to Laura
Upon his release from Youth Training School in 1962, Danny Trejo married his first wife, Laura, in the backyard of his family home. He attributes their divorce to his drug use and criminal lifestyle.
1965: Reunion with Mother and Half-Sister
Danny Trejo reunited with his mother, Delores, and half-sister, Dyhan, in 1965 after being separated for 16 years.
1966: Imprisonment at San Quentin and Boxing
Danny Trejo's time at San Quentin State Prison began in 1966, where his heroin addiction worsened. Despite this, he excelled in boxing, becoming a champion in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
1968: Soledad Prison Riot and Finding Faith
During a prison riot at Soledad in 1968, Danny Trejo faced serious charges and potential capital punishment after an altercation with a guard. While in solitary confinement, he discovered faith and joined a 12-step program, marking a turning point in his life.
July 1969: Release from Prison and Return to Pacoima
After serving five years of a 10-year sentence, Danny Trejo was released from prison in July 1969 and returned to Pacoima, Los Angeles.
1969: End of Prison Terms
Danny Trejo's final prison term concluded in 1969, marking the end of a turbulent period in his life.
1971: Marriage to Debbie
Danny Trejo married Debbie in 1971.
1972: Conflicting Accounts of Prison Release
There are conflicting reports on Danny Trejo's prison release date, with one account suggesting his last imprisonment ended in 1972.
1973: Substance Abuse Counselor and Various Jobs
Since 1973, Danny Trejo dedicated himself to helping others by becoming a substance abuse counselor. Prior to his acting career, he held various jobs, including labor foreman, gardener, salesperson, and part-owner of a lawn care company.
1975: Divorce from Debbie and Marriage to Joanne
Danny Trejo divorced Debbie and married Joanne in 1975.
1978: Divorce from Joanne
Danny Trejo and Joanne divorced in 1978.
1978: Relationship with Diana Walton Begins
Danny Trejo's relationship with Diana Walton began in 1978.
1981: Birth of Son, Danny
Danny Trejo's eldest son, Danny, was born in 1981 during his relationship with Diana Walton.
1981: Death of Danny Trejo's Father
Dionisio "Dan" Trejo, Danny Trejo's father, passed away in 1981.
1983: Relationship with Diana Walton Ends
Danny Trejo and Diana Walton's relationship ended in 1983.
1985: Film Debut in "Runaway Train"
Danny Trejo began his film career with a role in the movie "Runaway Train" in 1985.
1985: Becoming a Film Extra
Intrigued by the opportunity to earn money and support his counseling work, Danny Trejo decided to become a film extra in 1985.
1986: Relationship with Maeve Crommie Begins
Danny Trejo's relationship with Maeve Crommie began in 1986.
1987: First Credited Role in "Death Wish 4: The Crackdown"
Trejo landed his first credited role as Art Sanella in the film "Death Wish 4: The Crackdown" in 1987.
1988: Birth of Son, Gilbert
Danny Trejo's son Gilbert was born in 1988.
1989: Financial Success as an Extra and Impact on Counseling
By 1989, Danny Trejo was earning a substantial income as a film extra, which he believed enhanced his credibility and impact as a drug counselor.
1990: Birth of Daughter, Danielle
Danny Trejo's daughter, Danielle, was born in 1990.
1990: Working on "Guns" and Alleged Conflict with Erik Estrada
While working on the film "Guns" in 1990, Danny Trejo reportedly experienced a clash with actor Erik Estrada, stemming from Estrada's alleged jealousy over Trejo's popularity on set.
1991: Turning Down "American Me" and Choosing "Blood In, Blood Out"
In 1991, Danny Trejo declined a role in the film "American Me" after expressing dissatisfaction with the script and a meeting with director Edward James Olmos. He opted for a part in "Blood In, Blood Out" instead, a decision influenced by his interaction with Joe "Pegleg" Morgan, a prominent figure in the Mexican Mafia.
1993: Early Acting Roles in "Baywatch" and "Last Light"
In 1993, Danny Trejo secured a new talent agent and landed roles in the TV series "Baywatch" and the film "Last Light," directed by Kiefer Sutherland.
1995: Appearances in "Desperado" and "Heat"
Danny Trejo appeared in two notable films in 1995: "Desperado" and "Heat".
1996: Role in "From Dusk till Dawn"
In 1996, Trejo appeared in the film "From Dusk till Dawn".
1997: Marriage to Debbie Shreve
Danny Trejo and Debbie Shreve married in 1997.
1997: Relationship with Maeve Crommie Ends
Danny Trejo and Maeve Crommie's relationship ended in 1997.
1997: Appearance in "Con Air"
Danny Trejo had a role in the action film "Con Air" in 1997.
1997: Working on "Con Air" and Building Industry Friendships
In 1997, Trejo joined the cast of "Con Air," describing it as a "macho fest." He formed lasting friendships with fellow actors like Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, John Malkovich, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, and Dave Chappelle.
1998: Role in "The Replacement Killers"
Trejo took on a role in the film "The Replacement Killers" in 1998.
1999: Completion of "Animal Factory"
Danny Trejo completed filming "Animal Factory" in 1999.
2000: Appearance in "Reindeer Games"
Danny Trejo appeared in the film "Reindeer Games" in 2000.
2000: Filming "Spy Kids" and Introduction of the Machete Character
In 2000, despite contracting Hepatitis C, Trejo began filming "Spy Kids." This marked his debut as the character Isador "Machete" Cortez and brought him global recognition, especially among children.
2001: First Appearance as Isador "Machete" Cortez
Danny Trejo first appeared as the character Isador "Machete" Cortez in the "Spy Kids" franchise in 2001.
2001: Health Challenges During "Bubble Boy" Filming
Trejo's health deteriorated due to Hepatitis C during the filming of "Bubble Boy" in 2001. He struggled with weight loss, fatigue, and memory issues while keeping his diagnosis private.
September 2002: Recovery from Hepatitis C
By September 2002, when "Spy Kids" premiered, Danny Trejo had fully recovered from Hepatitis C.
2003: Final Appearance in the "Spy Kids" Franchise as Machete
Danny Trejo made his final appearance as Isador "Machete" Cortez in the "Spy Kids" franchise in 2003.
2003: Role in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico"
Trejo had a role in the film "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" in 2003.
2004: Video Game Appearance in "Def Jam: Fight for NY"
Trejo appeared as a playable character in the video game "Def Jam: Fight for NY."
2005: Separation from Debbie Shreve
Danny Trejo and Debbie Shreve separated in 2005.
2006: Def Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover Release
Danny Trejo reprised his role in the PSP videogame Def Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover in 2006.
2009: Divorce from Debbie Shreve
Danny Trejo filed for divorce from Debbie Shreve in 2009.
2010: Lead Role in "Machete"
Building on the popularity of the character, Trejo starred as Machete in the spin-off film "Machete" in 2010.
2010: Trejo Battles Liver Cancer
Danny Trejo battled liver cancer in 2010.
2010: Appearance in "The Fight: Lights Out" and "Call of Duty: Black Ops"
In 2010, Danny Trejo appeared in the PlayStation Move game "The Fight: Lights Out" as Duke and as himself in the "Escalation" map pack for "Call of Duty: Black Ops".
2010: Voice Acting Debut and "Machete" Film Release
In 2010, Trejo made his voice acting debut in "Call of Duty: Black Ops" and starred in the film "Machete," based on his character from "Spy Kids."
2011: Roles in "Recoil" and "Cross"
Danny Trejo starred in the action film "Recoil" alongside Steve Austin and took on the role of Ripper in the film "Cross."
2011: Trejo Moves to the San Fernando Valley
Danny Trejo moved to the San Fernando Valley in 2011 to be closer to his mother after she sustained a knee injury.
2011: Celebrating 42 Years of Sobriety
By 2011, Danny Trejo had achieved an impressive 42 years of sobriety, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming addiction.
2012: Starring Roles in "Bad Ass" and "Sons of Anarchy"
In 2012, Trejo starred as a Vietnam veteran in "Bad Ass" and joined the cast of the TV series "Sons of Anarchy" alongside Ron Perlman.
2013: Reprising the Role in "Machete Kills"
Danny Trejo continued his role as Machete in the sequel "Machete Kills", released in 2013.
2013: Death of Trejo's Mother
Danny Trejo's mother died in 2013.
2013: Continued Success in Film and Television, and Documentary Appearance
Throughout the 2000s, Trejo appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "XXX," "Anchorman," "Breaking Bad," and more. His life story was documented in the film "Champion" and featured in a KTTV segment.
2014: Debut as a Film Producer
Trejo produced his first film, "Ambition," and followed it with the action film "Bad Asses."
2015: Super Bowl Commercial for Snickers
Danny Trejo appeared in a Super Bowl XLIX commercial for Snickers, portraying Marcia Brady.
2015: Appearances in Slayer's Music Videos
Danny Trejo appeared in the music videos "Repentless" and "Pride in Prejudice" from Slayer's album "Repentless" in 2015.
January 2016: Opening of First Trejo's Tacos Restaurant
Danny Trejo opened his first Trejo's Tacos restaurant in January 2016 on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles.
2016: Sling TV Commercials
Trejo appeared in disguised roles for Sling TV commercials.
August 6, 2017: Guest Appearance on "Rick and Morty"
On August 6, 2017, Trejo lent his voice to the character Mr. Jaguar in the "Pickle Rick" episode of "Rick and Morty."
2017: Rainbow Cauliflower Tacos Featured in LA Times
The rainbow cauliflower tacos at Trejo's Tacos made the Los Angeles Times's list of 10 most favorite recipes of 2017.
2017: Role of 'Muerte' in "Cross Wars"
Trejo played the character 'Muerte' in the film "Cross Wars."
2017: Sling TV Commercials Continued
Danny Trejo's appearances in Sling TV commercials continued.
2018: Voice Role in "Big City Greens"
Starting in 2018, Trejo began voicing the character Vasquez in the Disney animated series "Big City Greens."
August 2019: Trejo Aids in Car Accident Rescue
In August 2019, Danny Trejo witnessed a car accident and helped rescue a five-year-old child from an overturned SUV.
2019: Ring Announcer for Karate Combat
Danny Trejo became the ring announcer for the full contact karate league Karate Combat in 2019 during the season Karate Combat: Hollywood.
2019: Reprising 'Muerte' in "Cross: Rise of the Villains"
Danny Trejo reprised his role as 'Muerte' in the sequel "Cross: Rise of the Villains."
2019: Various Film Roles
Danny Trejo took on multiple roles in various films including "Wish Man", "Grand-Daddy Day Care", "The Short History of the Long Road", "The Outsider", "Madness in the Method", "Bullets of Justice", "3 From Hell" and "Slayer: The Repentless Killogy".
2019: Appearances in "Guns of Boom" and "Call of Duty: Black Ops 4"
Danny Trejo's voice and appearance were featured in the game "Guns of Boom" in 2019. That same year, he also became a playable character in "Call of Duty: Black Ops 4" battle royale mode.
2019: Promotion for "Magic: The Gathering Arena"
In 2019, Danny Trejo participated in promotions for "Magic: The Gathering Arena" with Sean Plott.
2019: Supporting Role in "Acceleration" and Voice Acting in "Family Guy"
In 2019, Trejo had a supporting role in the film "Acceleration" and voiced the character Clint Beltran in an episode of "Family Guy."
2020: Expansion to Eight Restaurants
By 2020, Danny Trejo was the owner of eight restaurants.
2020: Publication of "Trejo's Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A."
Danny Trejo published his cookbook, "Trejo's Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A.", in 2020, sharing recipes and stories from his life.
July 10, 2021: Publication of Memoir: "Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood"
Danny Trejo's memoir, "Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood," co-written with Donal Logue, was published and debuted at number four on The New York Times nonfiction best-seller list for the week ending July 10, 2021.
July 2021: Danny Trejo Discusses Past Relationships
In July 2021, Danny Trejo discussed past relationships and infidelities with USA Today.
2021: Ongoing Tension with Edward James Olmos
As of 2021, Danny Trejo believed that Edward James Olmos still didn't perceive him as a serious actor, indicating a lingering tension between them.
2021: Appearance in "Far Cry 6" DLC
Danny Trejo made a guest appearance in the DLC expansion game "Far Cry 6: Danny and Dani vs. Everybody" in 2021.
2021: Competing on "The Masked Singer"
Danny Trejo participated in season five of "The Masked Singer" as "Raccoon" and was eliminated in his second appearance.
2021: Appearances in "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" and "American Gods"
Trejo appeared on "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" and portrayed Mr. World in "American Gods."
2022: Appearances in "Olli Olli World" and "Scum"
Danny Trejo made a guest appearance in the 2D-platforming skateboarding game "Olli Olli World" in 2022. He also appeared as Machete in the 3rd DLC for the game "Scum" that year.
2023: Voice Role in "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth"
Danny Trejo was revealed as a celebrity star in "Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth" in 2023, voicing the Hawaiian mob boss Dwight Méndez.