Danny Trejo is an American actor and producer best known for his tough-guy roles in films such as Desperado, Spy Kids, and Machete. Danny Trejo net worth is around $14 million which he has earned over the course of his decades-long career. While he is best known for his on-screen performances, Trejo is also a successful entrepreneur, having opened two popular restaurants and a coffee shop in Los Angeles.
Early Life and Personal Life
Danny Boy Trejo was born on May 16th, 1944, in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. His mother was known as San Quentin’s first female prison matron while his father worked at docks and factories around the city. He was raised Catholic and attended Roman Catholic schools until he began dabbling in criminal activity during his teenage years.
Trejo spent time in various juvenile correctional facilities, including the California Youth Authority and San Quentin State Prison. While serving his sentence, Trejo took up boxing as a hobby and eventually became the California state champion. He was released in 1972 and soon after found employment as a drug counselor.
As a young man, Trejo encountered fellow inmate and actor Robert De Niro while they were both serving time in San Quentin. The two became friends, and when the time came for Trejo to make his first acting debut, it was with De Niro’s help.
Trejo has been married three times. He was married to actress Debbie Shreve from 1997 to 2009, with whom he had two children – Gilbert Trejo and Danielle Trejo, who have both dabbled in acting themselves. His daughter Danielle has appeared in films such as The Perfect Sleep (2009), Lost Cat Corona (2019), and The Honor Farm (2017).
Also Read: Betty White Net Worth
Danny Trejo’s Career
Trejo’s acting career began by chance when he accompanied an actor friend to an audition for a low-budget film. His tough-guy look and natural presence impressed the director, and he was soon cast as a boxer in 1985’s Runaway Train.
Trejo’s first credited film role came in 1985 when he was cast as Danny “Machette” in Desperado. This would see Danny earn upwards of $250,000 for his role, and the successful film soon propelled him to Hollywood stardom.
Danny Trejo is best known as a character actor, often appearing in villainous or antiheroic roles. He has been featured in dozens of films, including Con Air (1997), Spy Kids (2001), Machete Kills (2013), From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series (2014), and the recent Bad Boys for Life (2020).
He is also a successful voice actor, having lent his dulcet tones to the character of “Tiger” in the animated television series King of the Hill (1997-2009). Trejo’s voice acting has also landed him roles such as Miguel’s grandfather in The Book of Life (2014) and Tortuga in the Disney animated series Elena of Avalor. He was even cast in a recurring role on the award-winning show Desperate Housewives (2004-2012) alongside his daughter Danielle Trejo.
Also Read: Bill Burr Net Worth
What Is Danny Trejo’s Net Worth?
Over the course of his whole career, Danny Trejo demonstrated his talent as an actor. His acting career has been extremely successful and versatile, which has helped him win roles in multiple films and television shows.
Trejo’s success as an actor has enabled him to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, with investments worth $14 million. He has been able to increase his net worth by launching several businesses such as Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts shop and Trejo’s Cantina restaurant, both located in Los Angeles. He also owns a taco catering company called Trejo’s Tacos and runs his own film production company, DTLA Entertainment. He also owns sweet shops and a Korean BBQ restaurant in the Los Angeles area.
Danny Trejo is a remarkable vehicle enthusiast who has a sizable collection of cars, including a customized 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE and an impressive Porsche 911. He also owns three motorcycles and various other vehicles worth several million dollars.
Also Read: Shia LaBeouf Net Worth
Robert De Niro, “Heat”, and Other Notable Film Appearances
The success of Trejo’s career in films can be attributed to his many notable appearances. He has appeared in films directed by some of Hollywood’s most esteemed directors, such as Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Spielberg.
But perhaps the role that catapulted him into mainstream consciousness was his portrayal of “Machette” in the 1995 cult classic, Heat. He became an icon for his portrayal of Machette, a former bank robber who joins a group of criminals to carry out a daring heist.
One individual that has seen Trejo’s success most closely is Robert De Niro. The two actors have been friends for years, having worked together in several films such as Heat and Machete Kills.
Trejo has also dabbled in video games, making several appearances in the popular Grand Theft Auto series. He even provides his own voice for the character “Grizzly” in the game not forgetting other notable game appearances such as in Age of Empires II.
His appearance in several music videos has enabled Trejo to amass a huge fan base of over 2 million followers on Instagram which in turn has resulted in endorsements from companies such as Monster Energy and the beer company Dos Equis.
Also Read: Kevin James Net Worth
Wrap Up
Danny Trejo is an extremely successful and versatile actor who has made a name for himself by taking on roles as both villains and antiheroes. His most notable performances have come in Heat, Machete Kills, and the animated series King of the Hill. He also boasts his own business ventures such as restaurants, taco catering companies, and a film production company.
His net worth is estimated to be around $14 million and has been able to increase his wealth by investing in various businesses. He has found success in acting, voice acting, video games, music videos, and endorsements. Trejo’s popularity on social media platforms such as Instagram has enabled him to gain millions of followers, making him a true celebrity.
The success of Danny Trejo’s career is proof that hard work and perseverance pay off. He’s an inspiration to aspiring actors who are looking to make it big in Hollywood.