Danny Trejo Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Danny Trejo breaks down his most iconic characters, including his roles in 'Heat,' 'Con Air,' 'Blood In, Blood Out,' 'Desperado,' 'From Dusk Till Dawn,' 'Spy Kids,' 'Machete,' 'King of the Hill,' 'Rick and Morty,' 'Bad Ass,' 'It's A Wonderful Binge' and 'Breaking Bad.'
It’s A Wonderful Binge is available to stream exclusively on Hulu
00:00 Danny Trejo's Most Iconic Characters
00:21 Heat
03:05 Con Air
04:21 Blood In, Blood Out
06:47 Desperado
09:14 From Dusk Till Dawn
09:56 Spy Kids & Machete
11:26 King of the Hill
12:55 Rick & Morty
13:42 Bad Ass
15:11 The Binge 2: It's A Wonderful Binge
15:56 Breaking Bad
Director - Graham Corrigan
Director of Photography - Grant Bell
Editor - Matt Braunsdorf
Talent - Danny Trejo
Producer - Kristen Rakes
Associate Producer - Sam Dennis
Production Managers - Andressa Pelachi & Peter Brunette
Production Coordinator - Carolina Wachockier
Talent Booker - Mica Medoff
Camera Operator - Shay Eberle Gunst
Audio - Paul Cornett
Production Assistant - Brock Spitaels
Groomer - Vanessa Rene
Post Production Supervisor - Rachael Knight
Supervising Editor - Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor - Andy Morell
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[@SoCloseToToast]

Love that line "everything good that happens to me, is a direct result of helping someone else"

[@TangibleReads]

Very humble. He speaks about it in his memoir. Really good

[@stevenbentley310]

I met Mr. Trejo several years ago. Just a very casual encounter, but he was an incredibly kind, humble, and friendly man.

[@eren34558]

Very inspirational!

[@marcryptic]

Robert Rodriguez was right. With Trejo, it's more about the expressions and physical presence. He's almost always the menacing tough guy, but he does it perfectly.

[@sven_86]

You just better make sure....the bad guy....isnt you!

[@chuckmave41]

Like Clint Eastwood for Sergio Leone

[@emsauce75]

That's his 2nd cousin.

[@loliking2763]

Hes also a nice buy though a checkered past but he flipped it around which is a good on him.

[@cosmicrae]

Danny gives 150% in all his roles even if it's supporting!

[@Razzrazz90]

Let us not forget his classic video game role as *Raul Alfonso Tejada* AKA the coolest ghoul this side of New Vegas.

[@andrewamos3880]

Another person of culture I see

[@Paz-jv3rj]

And lets not forget him in Def Jam: Fight for N.Y.

[@Orangeflava]

What game is that?

[@germanhess]

I loved him in GTA

[@johnthebomb06]

Sad he doesn't remember doing that :(

[@Rambo4President]

I remember an old interview where he said that he always prefers to die in movies so you can see it’s not worth it being a bad guy. A legend !

[@MrSirFluffy]

That would explain why he has the record for the most on screen deaths at, 71 deaths.

[@Msalazar2011]

“Everything good that has happened to me has been a direct result of helping someone else.” - Danny Trejo. I love that quote.

[@markoz673bajen8]

Best one so far Umberto Rubina.

[@Yinz_Kno_Johnny]

He audiobook changed my life.. this guy is amazing The life that he endured and how he came out at the end is nothing short of a miracle I have so much admiration for this guy He's a great man

[@yunusdavids9184]

Mr Trejo makes me feel like I'm in his company and he is telling a story in the way your gran dad would.

[@theothertonydutch]

He's older than my dad by 8 years, which always blows my mind. My dad is a lot more frail, has trouble walking and is going deaf. Meanwhile, Danny Trejo, who has been pretty much everywhere in life seems to be jumping around like he's got another 30 years left to go.

[@AveSicarius]

@@theothertonydutch Dude has basically made a career out of being physically imposing (which implies being on pretty good shape) and got into exercise that he kept up for most of his life. He's also been successful so he has the money and time to keep a fairly active and healthy lifestyle. People who get in shape young, and maintain it over their life end up being far less frail and far healthier (if they get to that point haha). I've seen the same thing happen with relatives and the relatives of partner's or friend's. People who don't take care of themselves to a certain degree definitely age faster. Genetics play a huge role as well of course.

[@adyuttamalemyan4304]

This man is almost 80 , still look that young ❤

[@rinopotamozopilotero6988]

True, I thought he was like 54 or something until I saw an interview and he said he was 72 🤯

[@spitfire7953]

He's old but he still looks like he would mess us up if we crossed him. A true badass.

[@cristianlizama787]

He's 78 but he don't look half bad lowkey

[@bryanyoung2476]

Happiness the key

[@vperkv6554]

I wouldnt say young, he looks like he has been 55 for 30 ys now. He doesnt age

[@firstname__lastname]

I had tears in my eyes when Danny was explaining the death scene in Heat. Especially when he said his daughter always cries becos that's *how he was suppose to die in real life. What an incredible journey this man has gone through!

[@Quantum-Omega]

Danny Trejo is a legend on screen and off screen.

[@Quantum-Omega]

@@fficial_GQ1 scam alert ⚠️

[@tashadent150]

Before Robert Downey Jr., there was Danny Trejo, this man was a former criminal turned actor and now a restaurateur and an author and activist.

[@patrickcampbell9445]

Ummm. Those two dudes are nothing alike.

[@D33Lux]

A real life hero too. *Security Video Shows Actor Danny Trejo Running To Help After Rollover Accident Traps Woman, Child In* kzbin.info/www/bejne/roGvo4iHZ9tsj6M

[@tigerace518]

At least Danny is not as arrogant as that showy Robert.

[@sijr6176]

Thank you! ​@@tigerace518

[@alk3myst]

And the biggest heart in Hollywood.

[@skipper4126]

If there was ever man whose story needs to be told its Dany Trejo, this man is the embodiment of second chances. A humble respectful class act he has come a long way and made it.

[@birdman4birdlegs]

I mean. It's a good thing "Inmate #1" is out so he can tell his story!

[@Err_InvalidName]

Trejo is the real Blade. Give this man an Oscar for saying more with his presence than with words

[@waynefeller]

Who is Robert Rodriguez?

[@Err_InvalidName]

@@waynefeller Hispanic Director. Basically the Tarantino for Mexicans and Kids. And made an Avengers Endgame style movie before the MCU made their using his own characters. Got to give him major props for doing that tbh.

[@waynefeller]

@@Err_InvalidName What’s a Mexican?

[@Cristian_Adejandro98]

@@waynefeller fu

[@waynefeller]

@@Cristian_Adejandro98 Did you forget the Kung?

[@liampendergast8670]

Danny is a true success story. Guy was a hoodlum who went to prison, now he's a instantly recognizable movie star whose happy and living life to the fullest.

[@FreddieLane9001]

We needed Machete in Space!

[@jorotroid]

The comment I was looking for

[@Whathappened0001]

Machete en Marte

[@ledartagnan]

Met Danny Trejo a few years ago at Montreal Comicon. He was so down to earth. He's a Star Trek Fan. I went to see him, dressed as Klingon, carrying a Bat'leth (which I made). Arriving at his table I said to him: "Hola Senor Trejo, como estas?" He looked up surprised. I continued: "What looks like a badass, talks acts like a badass, talks like a badass and has a heart of gold?" He laughed... then I said: "That's right, that's a Klingon..." I picked up the Bat'leth, turned it around and gave it to him. He asked "Is this for me?" I replied: "Well, it's got your name on it!" He said: "come on, let's take a picture together" That was my best moment of ALL my Comicons ever!!!

[@cb-9938]

The idea of Machete being the same character he played in spy kids is so perfect. They even changed the name in the 3rd movie when everyone shows up at the end. It says Machete now

[@enzopalma5376]

Danny showing how he is so proud to be a representative to the latino community is a great feeling man. I’m proud that Danny Trejo was apart of my childhood!

[@Smokie1523]

Danny is a true class act. Love seeing his success and knowing that hes living the dream!

[@MrCyberschnitzel]

He is so sweet

[@patryot5668]

watched a doc on him, since he had such a rough start once he got success he donates a lot of time and money truly a guy who is living his second chance with the best of his heart!!!!

[@TangibleReads]

He deserves good things

[@SuperBC1975]

YES! This was the Iconic Character segment I have been waiting for! Danny Trejo has had such an amazing life both on and off the screen.

[@bendavis6722]

did Danny Trejo do a voice with one of the characters in far cry 6 the game? sorry for any misspells or mistakes in spelling.

[@bendavis6722]

how about in grand theft auto vice city was Danny Trejo one of the characters in grand theft auto vice city the game I don't recall?

[@scribbler710]

That story of his daughter's reaction to that scene in Heat and the why... Never thought about it that way. Chills.

[@DavidGowers]

He's always just been one of those guys who can't help but steal every single scene he's in. I just love this man so much.

[@migueljr501]

It’s unbelievable that Danny Trejo is in his 70’s. I was hoping they would include blood in blood out in this video. I was thinkin they wouldn’t. Dudes a legend 🐐💯

[@sebastianardila7263]

Omg, he is 78, he looks way younger than that.

[@dannyd2275]

4:20

[@tariusvadoom6489]

Dam me too I thought he'd mention blood in blood out

[@migueljr501]

@@tariusvadoom6489 he did haha. I said I was hoping they would have him talk about it. Cause he wasn’t a lead, I thought they wouldn’t include it in the video.

[@TheCthultist]

Trejo remains one of my all time favorite actors simply for how genuine he is. Does a great job in all his roles, but more than that he’s a generally cool guy on and off set. That bit about him being able to say more with his face than other actors can with a page of dialogue sums it up perfectly.

[@make_it_so52]

Danny is truly one of the most interesting and unique actors of our time.

[@dockennedy8091]

Danny's the good in Hollywood.

[@ccvjd3909]

Danny's the very good in Hollywood.

[@jacquir8331]

Yes, definitely not for sale.

[@coreyhall1150]

Because he's an ex-con he understands what it MEANS to be human. He's been on the rough side of life and the EASY side of life. So naturally he has a humbleness about him that makes him TOTALLY relatable. Most your ex-cons outside of rapists and child molesters are good ppl that just wound up in bad situations. Made mistakes. Trejo is the man.

[@eternallife9786]

So true

[@thorocomments817]

Always has been…

[@Arkticsnowman]

People like Danny are why I watch these. A genuine human under the fame. Every ounce of success is well deserved.

[@peeeons]

Danny Trejo is a true Latino all star!

[@eliminator173]

He a All-Star for sure

[@MoeFokah]

All-Star hof

[@Goldone99]

He was on KING OF THE HILL WOW 😲

[@dumaskhan]

Did not know this either....didn't know he was in rick and morty either.

[@Goldone99]

@@dumaskhan yeah same here, his appearances are iconic

[@monolith_g]

OF COURSE! Enrique! He stayed with Hank when his wife kicked him out

[@mariod2890]

He was on Young & The Restless too believe it or not lol.

[@El_ACG]

"My daughter is having her quinceanera Hank"

[@arrowem]

"Prison is one of the most polite places in the world....but, you step out of line they kill ya.." Love ya DT!

[@DGZGSGEGIGKG]

I met Danny and his son once. Very humble and gracious man who loved his son very much. Happy for his success.

[@edwincajiao4974]

Man heat and blood in blood out were excellent movies I grew up to.

[@thorocomments817]

Just saw it a few years ago. I consider it a hood classic.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Who could ever forget Machete, Such a good part of my childhood

[@thekingofstillwater5890]

Trejo is one of the most iconic and easily recognizable actors, you're always happy to see him. You guys have to get someone like Will Ferrell, Samuel Jackson or Ben Stiller on here. They've played some pretty iconic characters as well.

[@MatadorShifter]

Lee Van Cleef might no longer be with us but we still have Danny Trejo - a man whose face speaks volumes!

[@kyleshiflet9952]

Lee Van Cleef is my favorite western actor his face said everything

[@jtmarshall]

@Kyle Shiflet he is great, especially for serious roles.. I like Bruce Dern myself, while not nearly as iconic, I loved his role in "support your local sheriff" his energy worked so well with James garner in that film..

[@kyleshiflet9952]

@@jtmarshall I always felt bad for Dern cause his career suffered for awhile after killing John Wayne's character in The Cowboys

[@jtmarshall]

@Kyle Shiflet I'm not gonna lie, I haven't seen that film... I honestly don't think I've ever watched a film with the duke.. but I imagine Bruce dern was great in it, I'll have to watch it! But I get what your saying, I've been guilty of that before too.. the villian either kills a beloved character or the actor just plays the part SO dang well that you kinda hate them and believe they really are a villain..

[@kyleshiflet9952]

@@jtmarshall I've seen a few Wayne movies Big Jake is my favorite but yeah Dern plays a perfect Weasley character in the movie sadly he's not in much of the movie

[@JoeSmith-hv7oe]

Machete was iconic, but my favorite role of his will always be as the throwing knives dude, Navajas, in Desperado.

[@jamesmacaw3865]

'Get your mother to pass the salt' that made me laugh

[@natinnz6134]

Danny Trejo's autobiography is amazing. Recommend hte audiobook so you hear him tell it himself. What a life.

[@robd1329]

I wish i was an actor. Seems that once you get that break...the doors open for you for many movies

[@JoshuaTootell]

Ha! Like being a pro athlete. There are probably tens of thousands you have, and never will hear about. Then a handful get a lucky break @@robd1329

[@krullebol74]

Just read it last week on vacation. Great story!!

[@drahunter213]

“I’m slow but I always win” Lmfao now that’s a great motto to live by

[@cosmicrae]

Slow and steady wins the race!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

To think that Danny looks like a bad guy but he's a great guy in real life

[@MrDabman123]

He used to commit crimes when he was young, but he has turned his life around. Now he's a motivational speaker talking about how he was able to change his ways and become a movie star.

[@Xxiii__]

Shoutout to him. Thats most of us mexicans. I make a point to smile or look happy around anyone

[@lemhanback9595]

Love this guy, can't believe his part in Rob Zombie's Halloween wasn't mentioned.

[@XeresKyle]

Rob Zombie's Halloween trilogy was absolutely terrible! The first, not so bad, but way over the top. The rest were absolutely terrible.

[@ronstout]

@@XeresKyleRon Zombie only had 2 Halloween movies, not a trilogy

[@rhydean693]

I was looking for that one 2.

[@Wiltac]

Love Trejo! He is as genuine as it gets. Respect is everything. That scene in Heat...was easily one of the worst death scenes I've ever seen. *If I EVER had to pick only one ally...🤣Danny is the one.*

[@thachocolategod]

Danny is like that cool Tio that always has a beer and a great story. I love him.

[@bobbauer7928]

A former student of mine was in a Grocery store in Provo, UT not long after Machete came out. Walking down the baking aisle he ran into Danny Trejo. They made eye contact and my student gasped. Danny winked at him. My student stuttered and stammered and Danny was so gracious. He signed an autograph and had pictures taken and they talked about Machete and acting (he wanted to be an actor). He came to class the next just flying. And Danny became a true hero in my book.

[@tramasrarasoddplots]

Danny Trejo should write a movie script bc he's an amazing storyteller.

[@mikecolts21]

Danny is a national treasure 🙌🏾

[@polreamonn]

For every nation.

[@oOoJeeoOo]

Amazing man, 78 years old and i still wouldn't mess with him

[@pedromolina9558]

By far, this has been my favorite. D.T. as always been a great supporting actor. I’m surprised he didn’t talk about Triple X. Lol

[@bryanyoung2476]

Yeh a loved how he show/made his way. Correct me if wrong ,not gonna search wiki or whatever. But he got cast for blood in blood out cus he was in San qenting,?, still my top guy for a movie .baller. c he makes/belongs the part to .. carries or sumfin like that.. big up

[@bobbybobbatunday9959]

This is the first one of these where I want to see the full vid with the rest of the stories. GQ please release an extended version

[@joewatts2940]

Dude, its so awesome that Trejo was able to provide a great life for his son. Was pretty cool to hear he's in the business as a director. I'll be on the lookout for his movies.

[@79dmcjr]

He's played in so many iconic movies

[@Paul_Blackhall]

Criminal that there is no mention of Trejo starring in the 2010s Call of the Dead film, directed by the king himself George Romero and also starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Robert Englund and Michael Rooker, such a underrated movie

[@JoshuaTootell]

Rooker and Trejo sound like they belong in a movie together. Gets confusing at Gellar 🤣

[@Basedapple]

I’m loving the black ops reference.

[@oendj]

He looks like he has so much fun in every single interaction he has

[@tyanaichigovera7308]

Luck, talent, being in the right place and the right time, and perfect casting pretty much is Trejo's memo.

[@perrodetokio]

Also: “Everything good that has happened to me has been a direct result of helping someone else.”

[@cloudbloom]

Man he's such a fun guy I love his personality and his film roles

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

That scene with Tortuga's head on the Turtle will never not be good, That poor Turtle

[@vinayak90417]

A face that is impossible to forget once watched

[@ReysonFox]

Danny Trejo! The man with the most on screen deaths in film, television and video game history. Well done hermano! Trejo's apperance was in everything.

[@Brandon-sd7lq]

Sean Bean comes close

[@jamessimmons7480]

SO GOOD THAT DANNY HAS BEEN REHABILITATED COMPLETELY AND IS SUCH A GOOD PERSON NOW!!!!! HE IS ABSOLUTELY AND TRULY A SUCCESS STORY!!!!!!

[@philsibayan9815]

A cold blooded character on screen but a great man in real life. I love this man

[@jeffreygrindle6396]

Such a great actor and icon

[@camerongalisky2185]

What a humble and magnificent actor. Thanks for so many fond memories Danny!

[@strahljd]

"I don't eat the jack or the mac" LOL this guy is a treasure

[@jamesrobinson9106]

Met this guy in Syracuse nicest guy I’ve ever met

[@QueenToKingOfSpades]

Danny is awesome. An inspiration to recovering addicts as well.

[@jorgevaldez9257]

Trejo came to South Texas Comic-Con last week of April 2024 and could not have been sweeter and more down to Earth. He talked & hugged everyone with a big sme on his face. Only down side is that his line was a long wait... but he was great with everyone.

[@ethanchaotic]

I love how chill literally everything Danny says, hes like describing a deep personal scene and hes like "yknow it was like... so crazy" its so relaxed its kinda funny

[@bluemcdaniel99]

Definitely a Latino Icon!

[@paulerxx]

9:00 that's awesome! How can you not appreciate this man?

[@FelixAlonzo]

One of the nicest most down to earth people in Hollywood. Such a pleasure working with Danny. Lovely human!

[@HereIsRick]

Danny Trejo is such a cool guy. He is one of the few actors I'd love to sit down and chat with.

[@mizer9510]

Always heard he is the nicest guy. Love his roles. He has a real screen presence.

[@davyboy9397]

He has always been this larger than life immortal persona, like Chuck Norris. Steals every scene he is in. He was great in Sons of Anarchy too. He makes every thing he is in better and his range is amazing. Wish he would have gotten more serious roles like Blood in Blood out and Heat. I hope he lives till he is over 100

[@christianvoorhees69]

I've heard so many stories over the past decade about Uncle Gilbert, when they make the Trejo biography, I hope there's a chapter on him!

[@niradnagrom2356]

"Hey look homes; I'm not Hollywood." *LMAO!*

[@mrskeltal3281]

One of the best character actors ever. Must have so many more stories to tell!

[@PopeDuwang]

Imagine working on a movie and then finding out mid way the director is actually a family member?

[@MrJoedinamit]

love this interview. we need more Danny content!!!

[@vyntradesilva18]

When I was a kid, I only knew this guy as Umberto Robina in Vice City, Spy Kids, and Death Race, after watching this I definitely need to watch all of his movies

[@gregisaacs7091]

I haven't seen all his movies but the ones I've seen him in are always great. Love this guy

[@WildDancer101]

The first time I've heard of Danny Trejo was in the Spy Kids trilogy. Good times.

[@MandosCulture]

I want to speak to Danny Trejo, I have watched movies with him my entire life. I love his personality in these interviews as well, such a good soul man

[@robd1329]

Watching Danny Trejo talk about acting..makes me wish i had become one. You sure dont have to be handsome or trained in acting to be successful in movies. He sure proved it!

[@superboy305]

What a life this man has lived, prison, prison mates with Manson. Love him

[@johnhamilton8650]

That was an awesome video, Danny is unique, love seeing him in movies, never let's you down.

[@fosterck13]

I've watched most of these videos and this one was my favorite! He's such a great guy and very real.

[@fakeHuss]

First movie I saw him in was Bubble Boy and I loved him ever since

[@jakesperling2822]

God, we absolutely needed 5 minutes of Trejo on Slim

[@frankiehitman2610]

Lmfao 🤣🤣. PATCHES!! I could use some stinking patches! Jake Gyllenhaal saying the word vato because of slim was hilarious 😂

[@RobertDooley-sl7cp]

Danny is an Icon! The man is amazing, and always looms way younger than he is.

[@MadeByDW]

Man I’m still waiting on a new Machete movie. Danny Trejo is an undeniable legend and I hope he’s kept for many more years of gracing our screens

[@RealMajora]

Trejo will always be Raul the Ghoul to me :)

[@ivang2508]

He was great in blood in and blood out 🔥

[@jaideveremy4371]

R.I.P Big Scarr 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️💔💔💔💔

[@rabalac]

BRRRR

[@isaactomas7122]

🏆Machete

[@Eddprzz]

Idk why this comment is on this video but ok

[@snupelxrdofficial]

Woah

[@jaideveremy4371]

@@Eddprzz I'm sending tribute

[@mindbomb2000]

Fantastic video and fantastic actor. I do wish that they would have mentioned his small part in my favourite film, Runaway Train, which I believe was his first movie role.

[@mundomundovich2265]

Bless him. A legendary man.

[@DeepCover66]

Danny Trejo tells the BEST stories, bar none!

[@Chosenone2]

GQ never fails to entertain us

[@terrysilverthorn4582]

Listened to Danny's biography on audible, i dont have patience to read something found it better through the ears i love music so it works. and to hear Danny read his bio is better than reading it. My Life Of Crime, Redemption & Hollywood

[@Machabees]

Worked with him a on a really small film once. He made sure every crew member received a signed print of him. His agent was handing them out saying Danny insisted on this. Really sweet guy.

[@bgauthier]

Such a great actor! And I love the Carlos Santana hat he wears!

[@YourBoyWang]

Danny is living proof that even after prison, you can completely turn your life around without giving up hope.

[@thebetaguy]

such a great interview. enjoyed his films. =)