Renowned actor Danny Trejo is poised to receive a pinnacle accolade in his illustrious career. The iconic figure, known for his roles in blockbuster hits such as Machete, From Dusk Til Dawn, Spy Kids, Con Air, and Heat, among countless others, will be bestowed with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award at the Santa Fe Film Festival (SFFF) on Thursday, marking the festival’s grand opening.
Adding to the excitement, Trejo’s latest cinematic venture, American Underdog, will debut its U.S. premiere at SFFF on the same evening, setting the stage for an amazing cinematic experience.
The festival, slated to unfold in the vibrant city of Santa Fe from April 25th to 28th, promises an exhilarating celebration of film and culture.
“Danny Trejo has developed a prolific career in the entertainment industry with a hard earned and atypical road to success,” the festival notes.
“From years of imprisonment to helping troubled youth battle drug addictions, from acting to producing, and now on to restaurant ventures, Trejo’s name, face, and achievements are well recognized in Hollywood and beyond, but it is his continuous role as a devoted father of three and an intervention counselor that bring him the most satisfaction.”
Veronica Falcón, the celebrated actress known for her dynamic performances on hit shows like Ozark, Queen of the South, and Perry Mason, will be honored with the Trailblazer Visionary Award at the Santa Fe Film Festival (SFFF).
This prestigious accolade acknowledges her remarkable contributions both on-screen and off, recognizing her not only as a talented artist but also as a passionate activist.
Falcón’s commitment to her craft and her endeavors to inspire positive change make her a deserving recipient of this esteemed recognition by SFFF.
More About Danny Trejo
At 79, Danny Trejo started his acting journey in 1985, following his release from San Quentin state prison in California.
Prior to his acting career, Trejo gained recognition as a boxing champion during his time behind bars. His entrance into the world of cinema began with training Eric Roberts for his role as a boxer in Runaway Train, which ultimately led to Trejo securing a minor role in the film.
Trejo’s background in the ring proved invaluable in his latest endeavor, American Underdog, a poignant redemption narrative set in the realm of MMA.
Directed by first-time Peruvian-American filmmaker Gustavo Martin-Benites, the film sees Trejo portraying the character of ‘Dennis,’ a seasoned trainer and former MMA fighter who reluctantly emerges from retirement to mentor his ex-student, ‘Jai,’ portrayed by Indian-American actor Vishy Ayyar, a disgraced amateur MMA fighter.
Trejo says of the role,
“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.”
Joining Danny Trejo, Veronica Falcón, and Vishy Ayyar in the cast of American Underdog are Taylor Treadwell (Father Figures), Suleka Mathew (Mayfair Witches), Andrew Gray (Power Rangers), and Omi Vaidya (3 Idiots).
Behind the scenes, the film is brought to life through the efforts of producers Naveen A. Chathapuram, Cristy Coors Beasley, and Rashaana Shah. Notably, Ayyar also contributed to the screenplay of American Underdog, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences.
“After losing 50 million dollars in my real estate business, I was in shock as my life crumbled in front of me which led to filing for bankruptcy,” Ayyar said.
“American Underdog is a testament that everyone comes to America as an underdog and can fall over and over again, but can find that redemption from the most unlikely of paths.”
Danny Trejo’s journey of redemption is a testament to resilience, transcending a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse and addiction to achieve success in Hollywood and entrepreneurship.
Notably, his flourishing restaurant empire, which includes Trejo’s Tacos & Cantina and Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, continues to expand, with a recent opening in downtown Los Angeles and another in London just two days ago.
In addition to his culinary ventures, Trejo has authored two books, with Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from LA offering insights into his culinary prowess and life experiences.
Despite his remarkable achievements outside of cinema, Trejo remains deeply entrenched in the film industry, with 29 upcoming projects in various stages of completion.
Among these projects is Hollywood Heist, a thrilling caper film featuring an ensemble cast including Alec Baldwin, Nick Cannon, Mickey Rourke, and Tara Reid.