How Prison Changed Danny Trejo's Life | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer
Deep Dive
Why did Danny Trejo's first movie role in 'Runaway Train' make such a significant impact?
Trejo's authenticity as a former convict made him the perfect fit for the role, standing out against actors who were merely portraying convicts.
How did Danny Trejo first get involved in the movie 'Runaway Train'?
He was initially called to the set to hang out with a friend who was staying clean, but ended up being offered a job training Eric Roberts for a boxing scene.
What pivotal moment in Danny Trejo's life was influenced by a chance encounter with a former prison acquaintance?
Meeting Eddie Bunker, a former prison acquaintance, on the set of 'Runaway Train' led to Trejo being offered a role in the movie, which kickstarted his acting career.
How did Danny Trejo's prison background influence his early movie roles?
Directors often cast him in prison-related roles due to his authentic background, and he frequently had to improvise 'prison-y' lines for his characters.
What significant change did prisons make to prevent inmates from becoming overly muscular?
Prisons removed most of the weights to prevent inmates from building excessive muscle, which was seen as a potential threat to public safety upon release.
How did Danny Trejo's uncle Gilbert influence his life?
Gilbert was always available for Trejo, teaching him how to fight and survive, which proved invaluable in his later life, including his time in prison.
What was the impact of James Ellroy's movie 'American Me' on the portrayal of Sureños in films?
The movie faced backlash for inaccuracies about the Mexican mafia, leading to a ban on Sureños working on prison-related films, which affected Trejo's involvement in 'Blood In, Blood Out'.
How did Danny Trejo first become involved with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
He accidentally attended an AA meeting while crashing a party in his neighborhood, where he was warned that leaving the meeting could lead to death, insanity, or jail.
What role did Eddie Bunker play in Danny Trejo's introduction to AA in prison?
Bunker convinced Trejo to attend an AA meeting in prison, promising cigarettes and coffee, which led to Trejo meeting his sponsor and starting his journey in recovery.
How has Danny Trejo's outlook on drugs and alcohol changed over time?
Trejo no longer craves drugs or alcohol, recognizing that they are no longer a part of his life and that he prefers being in control.
What is the significance of Danny Trejo's chest tattoo in his acting career?
The tattoo became highly recognizable and often typecast him in prison roles, but it also became a signature look that audiences associated with him.
How did Danny Trejo's experience with car culture in Los Angeles influence his life?
Trejo grew up around car culture, which became a passion and a significant part of his identity, leading him to own multiple lowriders and classic cars.
What is the significance of the song 'Mr. Tambourine Man' by Bob Dylan in Danny Trejo's life?
The song was a frequent part of his drug-fueled past, often playing on repeat during his heroin use, creating a strong association with that period of his life.
How did Danny Trejo's decision to help others impact his own life?
By helping others, Trejo found that he was also helped in return, leading to positive outcomes like saving his son's life and gaining support from others.
What are the three movies Danny Trejo would want played at his funeral?
He would choose 'Spy Kids,' 'Heat,' and 'Machete' as the three movies to be played at his funeral, reflecting his successful and varied acting career.
- Trejo was initially called to the set to hang out with a friend who was staying clean.
- He was mistaken for an extra and ended up training Eric Roberts for a boxing scene.
- The director, Andre Kaczynski, was impressed by Trejo's authenticity and offered him a role.