Danny Trejo talks about getting Sober and Fighting for His Life

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“I was fighting all my life,” says Danny Trejo. The actor tells AARP about his wild youth and how he got his big break in Hollywood. The actor and champion boxer has been sober for 46 years and finds great joy in helping others.

[@ExclusivelyLindsPro]

Awesome journey. Today is my 10 year sobriety birthday. Helping others is the way to keep what you got. :-)

[@tommypetersen2540]

I'm working on five years, tough road but so worth it. when I stopped crying and say " help me help me" and started helping others by making coffee, helping set up meetings, talk to the new guy or girl, etc that I finally got out of my sick little noggin. It's an annoying cliché but it really is true, you can't get it until you give it away. Danny is such an example of "giving to get". Congrats on Ten years!

[@bigbad143]

+ExclusivelyLindsPro congratz

[@ExclusivelyLindsPro]

thanks

[@ronaldoroda403]

+ExclusivelyLindsPro I drink to that, cheers.

[@kevin85115]

LindsPro a year sober too

[@chrisadams3323]

Awesome, I have been clean and sober since 3/28/1989!

[@schrodingerscat6437]

Always loved Danny as an actor but never knew his name or story, awesome to here it.

[@lindasullivan2707]

Schrödinger's cat He is 42 Years sober. Good stuff

[@hectoralvarado1173]

So im talking to God just A Few days ago .asking him to help me . I tell him that I cant do it on my own , Mr. Trejo today God spoke to me through you. You have inspired me .addiction is a horrible monster. I have told God that I to will help another once I get right.

[@barbaritagarlobo8672]

Hector Alvarado bless you

[@dannyokun1]

90 days next week, thanks for the inspiration Danny

[@sinistrator]

+dannyokun1 keep it up bro 9 months and 23 days here :D

[@kevin85115]

dannyokun1 great job for the 90 days

[@chrisadams3323]

Hope you made it.

[@irenegrajeda5722]

Good luck friend.ive been clean 27 yrs from heroin. I wish u well. U can do it.

[@irenegrajeda5722]

N I'm still around it, but don't temp me at all. I wish I could speak 2 kids As Well.

[@apieceofdirt4681]

What a great guy. He is one of the very few people in show business that is actually thankful to the man upstairs for living a great life and helping others out in the process. I've always heard he was a humble person.

[@barbaritagarlobo8672]

apiece ofdirt he's cool

[@SKY-jv9ue]

Danny...Your an asset to our society, we need more people like you to give good advice to the kids growing up!

[@johnross1395]

Truly a man tested in faith but survived to teach others. Well done

[@havanaliedown6746]

God bless this lovely man.

[@robertlee9332]

Wow this man is a true inspiration, and a true leader. God bless you brother.

[@aussiebloke559]

Inspirational man, making a difference for thousands of young men, well done Danny! Great actor too!

[@bryan70546]

man I know that road , shot up cocaine for 15 years and quit cold turkey , no rehab no nothing just shut it down , its amazing what your body will do when you stop feeding the venom into your veins . it was hard the hardest thing I ever did , but I made it , with the help of my parents and girlfriend who is now my wife . it has taken its toll on me thou but I manage . married to the same women for 16 years blessed with 2 wonderful little girls . left my pass in the pass and started over

[@Repzion]

amazing.

[@ohmycar5304]

+MrRepzion omg i can't believe i found you here lmao

[@BenjiJames]

+MrRepzion Here, here. Ever since i was a kid and i saw him rolling those throwing knives between his fingers in Desperado w/ Antonio Bandearas, he always struck me as someone who wasn't simply your average Joe, and I always wondered what his background was. Definitely interesting :)

[@rightway244]

I hope some day I will be able to say this too : I have been sober for 46 years and i had a great great life.

[@rxj0765]

What an amazing human being this man is!

[@lorrainelavender-sams3546]

WOW. Helping others never gets old. We always have our needs met when we do so; and most often we have our wants satisfied as well.

[@romoalex]

of course its not a viral video; we need more danny trejos

[@gentlegto]

May the lord continue to bless you.

[@aries171717]

One of my favorite people. Good or bad, he is cool.

[@stuartthat30atgmail88]

Mr Danny, I've had so much love for you since I was a teen, and learned of you from Heat and Dusk Til Dawn. You're an awesome, AWESOME person and actor. You're an inspiration. Salute, sir. Peace and love to you and yours.

[@jamesrosa2317]

clean and serene, I'm proud of you. thank you for sharing. May H.P. bless you.

[@sixteenstringjack]

How can anyone give this video a dislike! What, they don't like to hear about someone turning his life around?! Strange world...........

[@nkosingiphilethipe726]

indeed awesome Danny! Very encouraging. I wonder though how long should one dedicate their life to helping other people before a big break? I know someone who has working for the community for about 6years and prior to that they have been obedient and helpful to community members

[@willieboy3011]

Right on. 10 years sober, but it took me about 35 years to get there. Helping others = helping yourself = helping the world.

[@chuckrosales5011]

what a class act - very inspiring

[@jamesx7408]

well done Danny, very inspirational.

[@nayomeer4736]

Very Awesome..Didn't know this about Mr. Danny Trejo. Much Respect. God blesses us so we can bless others. 🙏💕

[@charlesday5970]

Thank you. Start my journey today.

[@thefreese1]

I saw 36 thumbs down...how could anyone give a thumbs down to this inspired video... this world needs more Danny Trejos....

[@kevinwells9222]

thanks Danny. I'm nearly 60 myself. I'm trying hard to fight through my own addictions and issues, but maybe not hard enough. It was great to see this interview. I have been a member of AARP also, and it's very surprising to me that they present your interview here. Certainly, no matter who posts it, you have a great story. But what does AARP wish to gain? Regardless, I have a lot more respect (I already had a lot) for you, and your talents (if not your drive which is even better). I wish I could meet you somewhere. I could use the motivation myself sometimes at this age. You seem to present that you have it sorted out, as I used to think that I do, but then you realize you are a very small part of the overall picture. I find it difficult at times. I've been through quite a bit, but I keep on keeping on. I know I am insignificant, and that in itself is very sobering. Regardless, Happy Holidays Danny. I never thought I'd make you my 'go to guy' for 2015. But you are. And it fits my life totally. Good fortune for you and your family in 2016. Kevin

[@leanacopperfield1759]

Rite on!! Machete..im glad to know u now personally understanding how its a blessing to be sober &clean. Peace

[@willowgrey5983]

I am in recovery and this is so inspiring!!!

[@vegansaxon3962]

Good man..as soon as I saw him showing love to his dogs, that was all I needed to know, but to knw that he is drug free, he is an inspiration to others..I'm trying to get away from alcohol and have used it for years to medicate my bipolar brain...and it is the worst drug for my condition...Danny you have inspired me this morning as I am sitting in my back yard searching for answers and trying to get over the poison that I drank last night..thank you.

[@nikitalalasamara]

Seriously, I can't believe he's 73. He don't look it at all. I mean, look others actors with the same 73 y.o. ? they look it. But not Danny. I'd give him 60 maximum. He looks good, even if his face is not perfect, its his journey on this life who made that face. I'm very proud of him. He's a message of hope for all the actual inmates

[@indigogal2010]

Thanks for sharing, you never know when you are planting the seed to help another person. God bless and keep sharing. It works if you work it.

[@bugsy1028]

Danny for president!!!!

[@Littleblaza]

Sounds like a great human being , no question he has helped a lot of others through his own hard life he learned and gave back .

[@internationalpulse]

Thank you Danny for sharing this side of your life

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

I knew nothing about him and never saw his movies however I like what I heard so now I will. What a great, realistic and powerful attitude

[@Barzins1]

See conair. He usually plays bad guys, and he is really good at it. It's so funny that such a wonderful man is portrayed as a bad guy. I think that tells a lot about our prejudices. Don't you?

[@mr.pocket575]

+Barry Sabahat Maybe he just thinks it's funny lol. I know some good people in my life that would play excellent bad guy chars =P

[@pappo666]

+Barry Sabahat well like you said he is really good at being a bad guy thats his strenght would you be able to see him replace Tom Hanks in forrest gump? or a lovey dovey movie where he plays a pretty and nice guy? its like watching Arnold in a comedy it dont mix well should always stick to your strenght witouth being afraid of trying something new and he have tried new things and always gone back to being the ultimate bad ass

[@kamblade5907]

respect to that always helping someone else is a great feeling.

[@2bethankful48]

Praise God love you guy .🙏🙏❤❤❤

[@Eddie53172]

Week and a half and I'll be 6 months!! Don't plan on giving up my sobriety for a while this time round! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@phuckewe8598]

And you will surely find some of us as you trudge the road to happy destiny. May god bless you and keep you - until then.

[@NativeSista]

I love this guy Danny Trejo BEAUTIFUL actor proud of you keep up excellent work....

[@joseromero8731]

much love danny u one of the ones that's a big help to people in the city and u put the city on the map

[@Barzins1]

You are an inspiration sir.

[@hectort6370]

2:38 that Pacoima mural 🔥

[@TheBlueskyson]

good to hear from the gr8 man. Thx.

[@rickygonzales252]

There is an audiobook called Trejo on audible. Talks about his life and struggles and redemption.

[@jamesrutledge9774]

everyone love danny trejo

[@mr.pocket575]

Had no idea this guy actually was in prison and is a real boxer! Holy shit!

[@facebiter]

What a decent bloke. huge turnaround.

[@203smokeweed]

Thanks danny

[@michaelchacha9869]

Its been a week no drink

[@ndnaf3705]

love Danny!so inspiring!

[@tammyfav9454]

Danny you are a blessing to many people. I've seen you in many movies I always took notice. I was mesmerized by your intense eyes. they speave cast volumes over any scripted word. . my every day my every step I ask the Powers that be please allow me the honors of being an instrument to Your Peace and bring Glory to honor you not me. I've had an extremely rough life. I never. broke laws and the look on people's faces when I reach their hearts is mind blowing but the moment they praise me I stop them in their tracks and I tell them this ability I have to let others see comes not from me but from the THUTH THE Wisdom the Light all Glory belongs to Him as He puts the words in my hand and I know it is not mine to give but mine to share. 15 yrs ago there was a COUNTRY song where people dang I believe there are Angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above they come to us in our darkest hours. I broke down crying when my sons little girlfriend and her mom dang that to me. all my life I was told how worthless I was and I knew that was true coming from my family all throughout my life and I heard something like that being sung to me. yes I told them not from me but from HIM. I KNEW BEFORE THEN You are the one that song is about. God bless you Sweetheart may He keep blessing you through all that you do. Angel hugs to surround you and your family always

[@Sarge-R1]

respect danny i just had a fall back to alcohol man after many years sober

[@mattb8436]

Good on Danny. Very inspirationa

[@natashaisabelparsons7003]

Beautiful and inspirational

[@jimwright4199]

I need help. I'm done. But want to crawl out of my addiction

[@andrewbull3537]

Jim ,you can do it !!!,dont give up ,go one day at a time ,if you need to drink say to yourself ....i will wait ten minutes ,and when the ten minutes have passed say to yourself i will wait ten minutes ,and keep going ...all of a sudden ONE day has passed ,and then the next and then the next.you can do it (give it a try ....what have you got to loose!!!!)good luck mate

[@deucebiggelow9244]

I would have thought he would be a guy to have bbqs n beer every weekend at his place...wow how i was so wrong .. Congratulations on 46 years you are an inspiration to me.. I am 37 yrs old been drinking beer steady for about 21 years ..i feel like i want to quit but im afraid .. Most things i do revolve around an ice cold beer .. I may need help

[@Pparker99]

Wonder. Keep up the great effort.

[@berroneslawnservice]

happy 46 Danny keep coming back...

[@90daysofsoberways22]

great work Danny. Im 4 weeks in to a sober life and can already see the benfits. Check it out if you are interested in seeing how it changes you mentally and physically. 90 Days of Sober Ways.

[@paulspydar]

always liked this guys work, his face & tatts are just iconic, I would of liked to see him in some lead or second lead roles, though I guess the parts he has done has kept him working for a long time, I wish him all the best.. just love his look, he really wears it.

+paulspydar He acted as the lead actor in Machete.

[@RikiNewtonMusicianSongwriter]

Awesome dude !! Peace. Rx

[@jimsmowing223]

Cheers living the dream

[@rickyb533]

AMAZING!!!!

[@rainwhitebuffalo5732]

What an amazing soul. The mold was broken after his soul was made.

[@SpiritFitVices]

He is awesome love his full story its online if you look it up all about his past

[@catjudo1]

He may be one of the scariest looking guys out there, but man, Danny Trejo sounds like one hell of a great person. He made a hysterically funny Marsha Brady too...

[@vegeta9411]

what a great guy. my respect goes to him.

[@tahacherradi599]

Great if I'm afraid to say perfect '-'

[@Airwr3ck]

Damn Danny Trejo is so awesome

[@berroneslawnservice]

you can watch his whole life story in his biography called champion

[@Hyuts]

I just gained much more respect for you Danny.

[@davelawler7599]

Man what a neat guy.

[@miaisheree]

Such a great man!

[@canayacanalla5171]

siempre he admirado a Danny ..he's a pretty nice guy

[@nerblebun]

I must be weird. I got drunk almost every day for over 40 years. Loved my booze. Then one day about 12 years ago I made a rum & coke, my favorite, and drank about half of it. It just didn't taste good and I didn't like the way it made me feel. That was my last drink of booze. No big deal, simply lost my taste for it.

[@danien37]

do you find your mood is fairly stable whatever ups and downs you face?

[@lindasullivan2707]

Grandpa the Grey Sounds like you were a heavy drinker and not an alcoholic. Alcoholics are allergic to alcohol.

[@MrJiffyPOPPOP]

Happy birthday

[@splortz]

You're a pretty good guy for being a "bad guy". Congrats on 4 decades plus!

[@teamwickednike1619]

I respect you !

[@darkpassenger01]

danny trejo is a total bad ass

[@MrCountrycuz]

All around good guy.

[@tuvoztuyo6621]

respect Danny!

[@dylanthrillmour866]

Robert Rodriguez and Danny actually found out they were second cousins well after working together on Desperado. Small world.

[@jamesp4521]

love this guy

[@ultragroove1]

Love this guy.

[@allans8477]

inspiring!

[@nira5681]

I love that guy.he is great. :)

[@Young50TheDon]

Great men

[@gordonmusic97]

luv you danny

[@plzdnthurtmeimsosry9]

He got his first acting gig because someone from the joint, through pure happenstance, recognized him and remembered that he was a good boxer. However, his message is that kids should stay out of trouble and that education is the key. Prison was the prerequisite for his career. Love Danny Trejo though, it's just kind of ironic. You know just how he tells kids to stay clean and out of trouble, yet him getting into trouble was the genesis of his own fame.

[@evilemperordude]

+plzdnthurtmeimsosry9 Yeah, but he just got a lucky break. It isn't the way life works most of the time.

[@williambledsoe5645]

plzdnthurtmeimsosry9 , you missed it totaly. danny got out of prison. stayed clean and sober. became a drug counselor and an 18 yr old kid he was working w , asked him to come down to the set.

[@luzluna1468]

¡Que gran ser humano, un verdadero guerrero de la vida! 😍💙👏

[@karllindgren2834]

respect

[@karim271]

I LOVE THIS ACTOR A REAL FIGHTER !! EL MACHETTE LOL

[@The-three-eyed-Prophet]

#Respect

[@karim271]

SHIIIIIIT MENNN IN THE MOVIE HEAT HE WAS TOP ACTOR !!!

[@LEE-nh5ut]

good speach