AwesomeCon X (2023) Danny Trejo: Respect the Journey - From Film to Entrepreneurship
Joseph Watkins Da Watcha
Renowned actor Danny Trejo, known for his captivating and tough-guy roles, recently graced the stage at Awesome Con X (2023) with host, Tony Kim. During this interview, Trejo shared intriguing anecdotes, discussed his ventures in the food industry, delved into his remarkable journey into acting, and hinted at an exciting future movie project.
Trejo's inspiring journey of sobriety became the focal point of the conversation when Tony asked about his choice to abstain from alcohol at parties. Trejo playfully joked about taking partygoers' wives home, prompting laughter from the audience. However, he quickly apologized for the remark, showcasing his gracious and considerate demeanor. The discussion then transitioned to Trejo's passion for culinary delights, where he talked about his signature bar fish taco and raved about the immensely popular cauliflower taco served at his restaurant, Trejo's Tacos. The crowd was captivated by his plans to expand his culinary empire, with the upcoming opening of new locations in cities such as Detroit and London.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Trejo shared awe-inspiring stories of how his genuine desire to help others led to countless opportunities. He recounted a moment when he assisted a director in dire need of a film title, which resulted in him starring in the unexpected hit film "Bad Ass." :
“Everything good that’s happened to me has happened as a direct result of helping someone else. I helped this director who had a movie that he wanted to do, and he needed a name. Anytime he needed a name, that means you don’t have a budget. So, he was talking to me, and Gloria, my agent, I was waiting for a big movie, and it’s in about three months, so I was just taking a break. And she kept telling me, “This movie looks really good, Danny.” And, so I said, “Okay, let’s do it.” So, we did a movie called Bad Ass.”
This turn of events propelled Trejo's career to new heights, with the film unexpectedly spawning a successful trilogy and substantially boosting his earnings. Trejo also delightedly spoke about his diverse projects, including the recent opening of a delectable donut shop alongside his highly regarded restaurants:
“I met a producer named Ash Shaw…And he brought me a business plan, and I opened the first page, did that little look inside, gave it to my agent. And she said it’s a no-brainer. So, we opened one restaurant. We got five now and a donut shop…..and if you go to the donut shop, if you eat more than two pineapple fritters, you’ll probably need rehab. It’s that good. But it’s like I said. This all keeps happening. Every time you help somebody, good stuff happens.”
Danny Trejo and Host, Tony Kim
Tony Kim guided the conversation to Trejo's iconic character, Machete, whom he brought to life in films such as "Desperado" and the eponymous "Machete." Trejo passionately shared his close bond with acclaimed director Robert Rodriguez and provided fascinating insights into the evolution of the beloved character:
“ …all my family came down from Texas, from San Antonio. And my uncle went, “Who’s that?” I said, “Robert.”[Rodriguez] And my uncle called him, “Hey, Robert.” , “Hey, Danny, say hi to your cousin.” I found out Robert Rodriguez is my second cousin. So, I thought, “Let’s make the part bigger, cousin.” And we had started talking about Machete there because he says, “I’ve got a role that I want you in.”
Trejo's fervor for a potential third installment of the "Machete" series also ignited excitement in the audience, who were encouraged to express their support through social media campaigns and hashtags directly to the director.
As Tony Kim opened to audience participation, Trejo's magnetism continued to shine. Fans eagerly posed questions, covering topics ranging from Trejo's collaborations with the Muppets to his experience on the television show, "The Masked Singer." He also humbly discussed the profound impact of fame on his life, emphasizing his down-to-earth nature and his choice to remain rooted in his origins.
With a heart full of gratitude, Trejo concluded the interview by expressing heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of his fans. He highlighted the transformative power of representation in the entertainment industry and acknowledged the ongoing progress required to achieve inclusivity and diversity on screen:
“They’re [neighborhood] kind of proud of me. I’ve got a mural in my neighborhood. It’s right next to a market I robbed. It’s funny. And my mom was the one that… We were dedicating this mural, beautiful mural, and then my mom, it was a mic like this and it was open, and my mom said, “Mijo, look, you were arrested right there.” “Hey, thanks, mom. I’m trying to be a citizen here. You can change your circumstances. You can change what you can. I’ve tried. I’ve tried to be someone else, but everybody else is taken. I’d love to be John Wayne or someone. But I just am me. And I think everybody that knows me knows… I don’t know. Come on over and have lunch.”
Danny Trejo's presence at Awesome Con elevated the convention's allure and added an extra layer of excitement. His engaging presence and genuine connection with fans exemplified the glamorous journey he has embarked upon, intertwining his legendary film roles with his enterprising ventures and cementing his status as an icon in the industry. All while saying the following:
“Everything good that’s happened to me has happened as a direct result of helping someone else.”
Danny Trejo – Legend!!!
