Book Reivew | Trejo
- Greg McNeilly
- Apr 13, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 20
TREJO: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood | Danny Trejo, Atria Books (2021), 288p.
With over 400 acting credits, Danny Trejo, 77, is a face almost every moviegoer will recognize. He’s also known in Hollywood as the “nicest mean guy." The mean guy part recognizes the often scary, challenging, and tough characters he has portrayed, such as Johnny 23 in the film Con Air.
As Trejo pivoted into acting within the entertainment world, he became known as a fixer. He once did Kiefer Sutherland a solid by “visiting” a stalker and successfully persuaded the fan to give the star space. The Mexican cartel (his words) reached out to him to let him know their concerns about a film casting them in a bad light - which was made against their wishes - the studio execs didn’t listen. And eight deaths have been linked to this flick’s production.
But the real Danny Trejo story isn’t the glitz and glam of Tinseltown. It’s the tough, unlucky, and rough start he had. Before he was out of his twenties, he had been a resident in infamous California prisons such as Folsom and San Quentin; he was first arrested at age ten. Family members introduced and enabled his marijuana, heroin, and cocaine use at age eight. His life of crime fueled by substance abuse was curtailed as he found a path toward beating back addiction.
Trejo notes his lack of more positive role models growing up but never viewed himself as a victim. This positive, take-responsibility approach empowers him to keep addiction at bay and motivates him to be an addiction activist, helping others slay their dragons. Along the way, he stumbled into an awe-inspiring movie career.
The grit and hustle of Trejo’s journey are not typical shoes traveled by most Americans, but his story of triumph through personal responsibility, determination, and resiliency demonstrates the promise that the American Dream remains alive and within reach.
QUOTES
"I've been incarcerated, I've been a drug addict, I've been a gang member, I've been a convicted felon. But I'm also a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and a recovering addict. And I'm still standing."
"My life has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, twists and turns. But through it all, I've learned to embrace the uncertainty and make the best of every situation."
"Prison changed my life. It gave me the chance to reflect on my past mistakes and realize that I didn't have to be defined by them. It taught me to take responsibility for my actions and to make amends for the harm I had caused."
"Addiction is a disease, and recovery is a process. It takes time, effort, and support. But it's worth it. Because on the other side of addiction is a life filled with purpose, joy, and love."
"I don't have any regrets. Well, maybe a few. But overall, I'm proud of the man I've become and my life. I've made mistakes, sure. But I've learned from them, and they've made me stronger."
"Acting saved my life. It gave me a reason to get up in the morning, to stay clean and sober, and to use my talent to tell stories that matter."
"I've worked with some amazing directors and actors, and I've been fortunate enough to be a part of some incredible projects. But my favorite role will always be the one that allows me to be myself – flaws and all."
"I'm not a saint. I'm just a guy trying to do good in the world, one day at a time. And if I can inspire others to do the same, then that's all the better."
"Family is everything. They're the ones who support you, who believe in you, and who love you unconditionally. And they're the ones who will always be there for you, no matter what."
"Life is precious, and it's short. So don't waste it. Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. And always remember to spread love and kindness wherever you go."
