Danny Trejo Facts: Surprising Truth About the 'Machete' Star

By Ross Key May 04 2024, 22:10 PM EDT

Actor Danny Trejo, famous for his distinct appearance and voice, is a renowned figure at 76.

Known for his rugged demeanor, highlighted by facial scars from cystic acne, a unique mustache, strong physique, and commanding gaze.

His notable roles span movies, TV, games, and ads. Notably, he portrayed Blade in the 2010 film and its 2013 sequel, along with his role in Spy Kids, where his acting journey commenced.

Trejo, born in Echo Park, LA, has encountered various life challenges.

Here, we delve into surprising "Machete" actor Danny Trejo facts.

His Early Years Were Filled with Sadness

Trejo, born to Mexican American parents, Dionisio "Dan" Trejo and Delores Rivera King, worked in construction.

His birth followed an extramarital affair while his mother's husband was away at war, according to Ranker.

Raised in Los Angeles, Trejo faced paternal abuse and a tumultuous family life, including a brief stint in Texas due to his father's legal troubles.

Trejo began using marijuana, heroin, and cocaine at the ages of 8 and 12.

His uncle Gilbert introduced him to all three and was responsible for Trejo overdosing on heroin.

When he was 13, he moved to the diverse neighborhood of Pacoima, Los Angeles, and recalls never experiencing racism while growing up.

Years later, he bought his childhood home and often stayed in it.

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Jail Helped Him Start Acting

Trejo didn't just get clean while in prison. It also indirectly helped him get into acting. While incarcerated, Trejo became a top boxer.

After his release, a young man he was mentoring through drug addiction asked him to help with the set of a movie.

He was offered a job as an extra in a prison scene in the 1985 film Runaway Train.

The screenwriter remembered him from their time in prison together and offered him a role teaching Eric Roberts how to box for a scene in the film.

Next thing Trejo knows, he was offered a bigger role in the film, and the rest is history.

He Refrains from Doing Stunts to Support Others' Jobs

Danny Trejo is often cast as the tough guy, and his characters usually have plenty of physical scenes in the movies he's in.

Whether he's breaking through walls or having intense fight scenes, Trejo, even in his 70s, seems like he'd be tough enough to do his own stunts. But he doesn't.

In fact, he thinks it's silly for any actor to do their own stunts because there are trained stuntpeople who are paid to do them.

He goes even further by saying that if he were to do his own stunts, it would take away jobs from many people, and that's not the kind of person he is.