Renowned actor Danny Trejo is poised to receive a monumental accolade at the upcoming Santa Fe Film Festival, marking a pinnacle in his illustrious career. Known for his iconic roles in blockbuster hits like “Machete,” “From Dusk Til Dawn,” “Spy Kids,” “Con Air,” and “Heat,” among countless others, Trejo will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on the festival’s opening night. The ceremony will coincide with the U.S. premiere of his latest film, “American Underdog,” which will kickstart the event running from April 25 to 28 in New Mexico’s capital city.
Trejo’s journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary, as noted by the festival. From overcoming years of imprisonment to becoming a beacon of hope for troubled youth battling drug addiction, his multifaceted career spans acting, producing, and venturing into the restaurant business. While his Hollywood achievements are widely celebrated, it is his unwavering commitment as a devoted father of three and an intervention counselor that truly resonates with audiences.
Joining Trejo in the limelight, his co-star in “American Underdog,” Veronica Falcón, will be honored with the festival’s Trailblazer Visionary Award. Recognized for her exceptional work on screen in acclaimed series such as “Ozark,” “Queen of the South,” and “Perry Mason,” Falcón is equally lauded for her activism offscreen, inspiring positive change on a global scale.
Trejo’s acting career commenced in 1985, following his release from San Quentin State Prison. His background as a boxing champion behind bars paved the way for his breakthrough role, training Eric Roberts for “Runaway Train,” which ultimately led to his own acting debut. In “American Underdog,” directed by first-time Peruvian-American filmmaker Gustavo Martin-Benites, Trejo portrays ‘Dennis,’ a seasoned trainer and former MMA fighter who mentors a disgraced amateur MMA fighter, ‘Jai,’ portrayed by Indian-American actor Vishy Ayyar.
Reflecting on his role, Trejo shares, “My character ‘Dennis’ has come through the other side of the fire, and now he’s at a place in life where he’s got the experience, he’s lived it, and can give the wisdom and the guidance.”
The film, boasting a stellar cast including Taylor Treadwell, Suleka Mathew, Andrew Gray, and Omi Vaidya, is produced by Naveen A. Chathapuram, Cristy Coors Beasley, and Rashaana Shah, with Ayyar contributing to the screenplay based on his own experiences.
Trejo’s personal journey of redemption, overcoming a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse and addiction to achieve Hollywood stardom and entrepreneurial success, is nothing short of inspirational. His expanding restaurant empire, comprising Trejo’s Tacos & Cantina and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, along with his literary contributions including “Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from LA,” further underscore his multifaceted talents.
With 29 upcoming cinematic projects in the pipeline, including the highly anticipated “Hollywood Heist” alongside Alec Baldwin, Nick Cannon, Mickey Rourke, and Tara Reid, Trejo’s indomitable spirit continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his legacy as an entertainment icon.
