By 75, most of us hope to boast the markers of a rewarding life: a memorable trip abroad, the possession of a fine dining room set, a couple of grandkids. To Danny Trejo, that list ain’t s***. The septuagenarian has starred on television. He’s conquered a drug addiction. He’s done hard time. He’s opened a line of restaurants. The man even saved a baby’s life once. And now he’s got his own documentary. Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo tracks his astounding life story.
The first trailer for Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo dropped last week, and it promises to be a wild ride. The film starts on a young Trejo, a hard-living kid from Echo Park, dealing drugs and getting busted. He eventually lands himself in San Quentin, where he transforms into a champion boxer and kicks his cocaine habit for good. And that’s just the beginning.
You might recognize Trejo from his work on the hit film, Machete. Or maybe as La Tortuga on Breaking Bad. But prior to his severed head showing up on a tortoiseshell in the New Mexico desert (sorry, spoiler), Trejo starred on a number of TV shows and movies in the 80s and 90s.
Usually Hollywood comes first, and then the cocaine. But for Trejo, helping young people through their own addiction struggles got him his first acting gig. A patient asked for guidance while filming the movie Runaway in 1985, and while on set, the screenwriter recognized Trejo from his own time at San Quentin. This town is all about who you know, am I right?
Clean and sober for 51 years now, Trejo shows no signs of stopping. The documentary details his personal and professional life outside the acting industry, including his venture into the restaurant business.
These days, Trejo uses his success to help the homeless, handing out free “Trejo’s Tacos” to those in need all around the LA area. What a guy.
Check out Inmate #1 when it drops digitally July 7. Until then, hit up his donut shop. The man does it all.
Featured image via YouTube.com
