Who Is Danny Trejo? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Danny Trejo, born on May 16, 1944, in Echo Park, Los Angeles, California, has been a significant figure in the film industry for decades. Known for his tough-guy roles in blockbuster films such as "Machete," "Desperado," and "From Dusk Till Dawn," Trejo has built a substantial career as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur. As of 2025, he is 80 years old, but his timeless appeal and energetic personality make him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
| Occupation | Restaurateurs |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 16, 1944 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Maywood, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Danny Trejo's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighing around 160 pounds (73 kg), Trejo possesses a muscular and rugged physique that complements his roles in action-packed films. His distinctive appearance, characterized by his heavily tattooed arms and charismatic smile, has made him a recognizable face in entertainment.
By the time of Bubble Boy in 2001, his illness had progressed to the point that much of the cast had noticed his weight loss; Trejo states that his past drug use had caught up with him. He described himself as having been pale and weak throughout production, and pre-occupied with keeping his diagnosis a secret within Hollywood for fear of reprisal.
Trejo was "out of it" and struggling to remember his lines due to prescription medication. By the time Spy Kids premiered in September 2002, Trejo had fully recovered.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Danny Trejo has been quite private about his personal life, but he has been married three times. As of 2025, he is reportedly in a relationship, although the identity of his girlfriend remains undisclosed. Trejo has a close-knit family, including several children and grandchildren, and often emphasizes the importance of family values in interviews.
He was raised on Temple Street in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the son of Mexican-American parents. He is the son of Delores Rivera King and Dionisio "Dan" Trejo (1922–1981), a construction worker. Trejo was the result of an extramarital affair; Delores's husband was away fighting in World War II.
His parents met at a dance hall in Highland Park, Los Angeles in 1943. He had a maternal half-sister, Dyhan, but saw neither her nor Delores from 1949 until 1965; his father banned his mother from seeing him after Trejo sprained his arm in her care.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Danny Trejo's net worth is estimated to be around $16 million. His income is a combination of his acting career, appearances in television, endorsements, and various business ventures, including his line of restaurants, Trejo’s Tacos. His continuous work in film and television ensures a steady stream of earnings, making him one of the most financially successful actors in his genre.
In 1996, Trejo was cast in the French production Le Jaguar (which was French for The Jaguar) and reunited with Voight for Anaconda, both of which were filmed in Manaus, Brazil. When production for Anaconda moved to Venezuela, Trejo would go out socializing on his days off.
The producers were worried given a possible coup d'état had made parts of the country unsafe to travel; a group of teenagers brandished AK47's on one occasion, demanding Trejo's combat boots. Because of this, Trejo says he negotiated a higher salary to remain within the confines of his hotel.
Career, Business, and Investments
Danny Trejo's career took off in the 1990s when he became known for his roles in both action and dramatic films. Beyond acting, he has ventured into various business projects, most notably the successful Trejo’s Tacos, which serve up delicious Mexican food across multiple locations in California. Trejo has also become a motivational speaker, sharing his story of redemption and success after overcoming a troubled past.
Daniel Trejo (, ; born May 16, 1944) is an American actor. A native of Los Angeles, Trejo's film career began in 1985, when he landed a role in Runaway Train (1985). The first film in which he was given a proper credited role was as Art Sanella in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987).
He went on to star in a multitude of other films, many of which were small parts as inmates, gangsters, or other criminals, appearing in Desperado, Heat (both 1995), From Dusk till Dawn (1996), Con Air (1997), The Replacement Killers (1998), Reindeer Games (2000), and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), among others.
Social Network
Danny Trejo has a significant presence on social media, where he interacts with his fans and shares insights into his life and career. As of 2025, he boasts millions of followers across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His social media accounts often feature updates on his projects, personal philosophies, and glimpses into his everyday life.
Heat went through two script revisions while Trejo read for the part. He ultimately secured the role, which reunited him with Michael Mann, who had directed him in the television miniseries Drug Wars: The Camarena Story a few years prior.
Mann initially mistook Trejo for his uncle Gilbert; he found the resemblance uncanny, having met Gilbert while shooting The Jericho Mile at Folsom in the late 1970s; production required the co-operation of the inmates, and Gilbert happened to be one of the shot-callers.
Trejo's character in the film was initially called 'Vince' but renamed 'Trejo' in honor of Gilbert.
Filming could be upward of 17 hours per day, but Trejo said he was grateful for how much he learned; "watching De Niro, Kilmer, and Voight, I learned a lot about how they saved [their performances] for when it mattered." He recalls being mentored by Robert De Niro, who was a patient and instructive scene partner.
Trejo and De Niro improvised the former's death scene.
Education
Danny Trejo attended a variety of schools throughout his life but struggled academically due to the challenges he faced during his youth. However, he later earned a high school diploma while serving time in prison. His life story reflects persistence and a transformative journey that has made him an inspirational figure today.
Trejo had made a dozen films by 1990, including Death Wish 4: The Crackdown, and Marked for Death. He enjoyed the making of Guns, yet alleges Erik Estrada took issue with the cast and crew being more familiar with Trejo than himself.
Trejo says Estrada's ego got the better of him; he believes Estrada arranged for Trejo and a number of others to fly coach instead of first class on the way to Hawaii for filming.
