Danny Trejo

Dan "Danny" Trejo, Jr. (English pronunciation: /ˈtreɪhoʊ/; born May 16, 1944) is an American character actor who has appeared in many Hollywood movies, usually known for his tough guy roles. Trejo, a Mexican-American, was born Dan Trejo, Jr. in Los Angeles, the son of Alice Rivera and Dan Trejo, a construction worker. He is a cousin of filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and is from the Pacoima neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley and well many of the people say that he participated at to Van Nuys High school in his teenage years. As a youth, he roamed the streets around his home area, committing various crimes with his uncle and becoming addicted to drugs. He was in and out of jail many times as a teenager. While on the streets, Trejo developed talent as a boxer and considered taking up boxing as a profession. That ambition was dashed by a lengthy prison sentence. While serving time in San Quentin State Prison, he became the California state prison champion in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. During this time, Trejo became a member of a twelve-step program, which he credits with his success in overcoming drug addiction. While speaking at a recovery meeting in 1985, Trejo met a young man in the movie business. His newfound friend invited him to the set of Runaway Train where Trejo was offered a job as an extra. Edward Bunker, himself a former convict and well-respected crime author who was writing the screenplay for the film, recognized Trejo, with whom he had done time at San Quentin. It was widely mis-reported that Trejo was actually serving time in the prison where the film was set.