Danny Trejo, born Dan Trejo, was a child of Alice Rivera and Dan Trejo, a construction worker, in Echo Park, Los Angeles. His early life was marked by struggles with drug addiction and criminal behavior, resulting in 11 years of in-and-out jail time.
During his imprisonment at San Quentin, Trejo won the lightweight and welterweight boxing titles, showcasing his impressive skills. He was later convicted of armed robbery and drug offenses, but successfully completed a 12-step rehabilitation program that transformed his life.
In 1985, Trejo attended a Cocaine Anonymous meeting, where he met a young man who would later seek his support. This chance encounter led him to the set of the film Runaway Train, where he was cast as a convict extra due to his distinctive tattooed appearance.
On the same set, Trejo reunited with a screenwriter who had shared a cell with him at San Quentin. The screenwriter recognized Trejo's boxing abilities and offered him $320 per day to train the actors for a pivotal boxing scene. Director Andrei Konchalovsky was impressed by Trejo's training skills and offered him a featured role as the opponent of Eric Roberts in the film.
Trejo's tough, rugged appearance and impressive boxing skills have since made him a staple in many films, often portraying tough criminals or villains.
