Danny Trejo, the iconic American film and television actor, has a net worth of $500 thousand. Known for his roles as hyper-masculine, villainous anti-heroes, Trejo has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including “Desperado,” “Heat,” and “From Dusk Till Dawn.” Besides acting, Trejo is a successful entrepreneur, owning a record label, coffee & donut shops, and the popular restaurant chain Trejo’s Tacos in Los Angeles.
What Led to Danny Trejo’s Bankruptcy Filing?
In February 2023, Danny Trejo filed for Chapter 11 personal bankruptcy due to accumulating around $2 million in IRS debt. This debt was primarily the result of mistaken deductions. Trejo and the IRS agreed on a payment plan requiring him to make four annual payments of $200,000 until early 2028. However, recent strikes by writers and actors have complicated his financial situation, potentially forcing him to sell one of his properties.
How Did Danny Trejo’s Early Life Shape His Career?
Danny Trejo was born on May 16, 1944, in Echo Park, Los Angeles, to Alice Rivera and Dionisio “Dan” Trejo. His early years were tumultuous, marked by his father’s legal troubles and the family’s brief move to San Antonio, Texas. Trejo’s teenage years in Pacoima, Los Angeles, were plagued by crime and drug addiction. By the age of 12, he was already involved in criminal activities and faced multiple incarcerations throughout the 1960s.
While serving time in San Quentin, Trejo took up boxing, eventually becoming a champion in the prison’s lightweight and welterweight divisions. During this period, he also joined a 12-step program that helped him overcome his drug addiction. After his final release, Trejo briefly attended Pitzer College but left after one semester.
How Did Danny Trejo Begin His Acting Career?
Trejo’s acting career began unexpectedly in 1985 when he attended a Cocaine Anonymous meeting. There, he met a young man who later invited him to the set of “Runaway Train.” Recognizing Trejo’s tough appearance, the film’s producers offered him a role as a convict extra. Trejo’s boxing skills caught the attention of Edward Bunker, the film’s screenplay writer, who hired Trejo to train actor Eric Roberts for a boxing scene. Impressed by his work, director Andrei Konchalovsky gave Trejo a small role as a boxer, kickstarting his prolific acting career.
What Are Danny Trejo’s Most Notable Film Roles?
Since his debut in “Runaway Train,” Danny Trejo has appeared in numerous films, often playing rugged, thuggish characters. Some of his major films include “Marked for Death” (1990), “Desperado” (1995), “From Dusk till Dawn” (1995), “Spy Kids” (2001), “XXX” (2002), “Grindhouse” (2007), and “Machete” (2010). Despite being typecast, Trejo has also portrayed more sympathetic characters in films like “Spy Kids” and “Bubble Boy.”
What Television Shows Has Danny Trejo Appeared In?
Trejo’s television career is as extensive as his filmography, with appearances in over seventy shows since 1990. Some notable series include “Baywatch,” “NYPD Blue,” “The X-Files,” “Monk,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Breaking Bad,” “Modern Family,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Rick and Morty,” “American Dad!,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Blue Bloods,” and “Dynasty.” In 2021, he starred as the Ghost of Huet in the Disney+ Halloween special “Muppets Haunted Mansion,” and in 2022, he made his “Star Wars” debut in “The Book of Boba Fett.”
What Are Danny Trejo’s Entrepreneurial Ventures?
Beyond acting, Trejo has made a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur. He owns Trejo’s Tacos, a restaurant chain with several locations in Los Angeles, as well as Trejo’s Cantina and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts. Trejo’s restaurants are known for their unique offerings and have become popular spots in LA.
How Has Danny Trejo’s Personal Life Influenced His Career?
Trejo has been married and divorced four times, with his longest marriage being to Debbie Shreve from 1997 to 2009. They have three children together. Trejo is also the second cousin of filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, a relationship they discovered while filming “Desperado.”
What Real Estate Does Danny Trejo Own?
Danny Trejo owns several properties in the Los Angeles area. In June 1999, he bought a home in Pico Rivera for $130,000, which is currently occupied by a relative. His primary residence is a house in Mission Hills, purchased in 2012 for $550,000. This property, now worth $1.2 million, has been a focal point in his bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, Trejo inherited a property in Pacoima from his mother, valued at $750,000, which he may need to sell to meet his IRS payments.
In summary, Danny Trejo’s journey from a troubled youth to a successful actor and entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite financial setbacks, his diverse career and business ventures continue to make him a prominent figure in Hollywood and beyond.
