Danny Trejo Is The Man

All Photos:  Alan Mercer  Lighting:  Eric V.

Danny Trejo has been a magical presence in my life since the day I met him.  He made me feel like I was one of the family immediately.  Since he is the first famous person I ever photographed he obviously helped start my career and because he is such a loving and supportive friend he has remained very special to me.  Here's a little background information about one of the coolest and most inspirational people to walk on the earth!

A child drug addict and criminal, Danny Trejo was in and out of jail for 11 years. While serving time in San Quentin, he won the lightweight and welterweight boxing titles. Imprisoned for armed robbery and drug offenses, he successfully completed a 12-step rehabilitation program that changed his life.

 

While speaking at a Cocaine Anonymous meeting in 1985, Danny met a young man who later called him for support. Danny went to meet him at what turned out to be the set of 'Runaway Train' in 1985. Danny was immediately offered a role as a convict extra, probably because of his tough tattooed appearance. Also on the set was the screenwriter Eddie Bunker, who did time with Danny in San Quentin. Remembering Danny's boxing skills, Mr. Bunker offered him $350 per day to train the actors for a boxing match. Director Audrey Konchalovskiy saw Danny training Eric Roberts and immediately offered him a featured role as Roberts' opponent in the film. Danny has subsequently appeared in many other films, usually as a tough criminal or villain. 

Since then, Danny has become a prolific actor in both films and television, acting alongside some of Hollywood's most famous actors, including Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Nicolas Cage, George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Val Kilmer, Charles Bronson and Antonio Banderas.

Danny has often appeared in five or more movies per year in various genres. Major releases in which he has acted include 'Machete,' 'Blood In Blood Out' 'Animal Factory,' 'Bubble Boy' 'Anacanda,' 'Marked For Death,' 'xXx,' 'Desperado,' 'Once Upon A Time In Mexico' 'Heat,' 'From Dusk Till Dawn,' 'Con Air,' 'Six Days Seven Nights,' 'Spy Kids,' 'The Replacement Killers' 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,' 'Predators,' 'Urban Justice,' 'The Devil's Rejects,' 'Valley Of Angels,' 'Delta Farce,' 'Grindhouse,' 'Rob Zombie's Halloween,' and Snoop Dog's 'Hood Of Horror.'  The award-winning independent film, 'CHAMPION' was released in 2005, documenting Trejo's life. It features Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Steve Buscemi and Robert Rodriguez.

Danny has said that he is amazed when he walks the streets where he used to commit crimes and children ask him for autographs. He also pointed out that he often chooses to play bad guys to teach younger audiences that bad guys often die or go to prison, and that one should try to live a decent life.  Danny often speaks in front of youth groups and at colleges and encourages young people to avoid making the mistakes he did while growing up.

DT:  We met on Spy Kids didn't we?

AM:  Yes it's been twelve years!  Now you have starred in a number one movie! 

DT:  It's unreal to me.

AM:  Now you never stop working!

DT:  You talk about full circle.  When I helped that kid on 'Runaway Train' I got a job in the movies, got SAG the first time I was ever on a set.  My whole life changed.  I thought it was cool to be 'Inmate Number One' my whole life.

AM:  How long were you Inmate Number One?

DT:   For five years I only played 'Inmate Number One.'  Then I finally got one line in 'Death Wish 4' starring Charles Bronson.  That was another life changing experience again.  All of a sudden now I'm getting small but excellent parts with dialogue and my characters started having a name. 

AM:  How did 'Machete come about?

DT:  Robert Rodriquez and I had talked about doing this movie for seventeen years.  It seemed like it was just a fun conversation then we did the fake trailer for 'Grindhouse.'  The response was so strong that people were getting tattoos of Machete on their backs. 

AM:  How did that affect your ego?

DT:  I had to step back and realize they were into Machete and not me.  If you're not careful your mind will really start to make you think you are something! 

AM:  How do you combat that kind of challenge?

DT:  You fight it.  I go to a construction site and stand there for a while.  I say to myself, "This is you.  That Mexican over there is YOU.  The guy getting screamed at by his boss is YOU."

AM:  That brings you back down to earth I bet.

DT:  Then I start thinking what are my alternatives to the entertainment industry.  I can either point a gun at someone and say, "Give me your money" or I can say, "Do you want fries with that?"  What else can I do?   I treat my job with respect.  I'm working on The 'Sons of Anarchy' right now and it's great! 

AM:  Do you enjoy TV or Movies more?

DT:  Movies and TV are so different.  On a movie set the writer is not so respected.  Once you buy a script you can change anything you want.  Often when I get a movie script I will change the dialogue to fit me better.  When I read it, the director always loves it.  The writer is king on TV.  I have to say everything exactly as it is written and if I don't there is a big discussion.

AM:  That does sound more difficult.

DT:  I've had to get used to that working on these episodes.  I understand that it's theirs and not mine so I will absolutely do as they want.  That is one of the secrets to me being where I'm at right now.  I have always shown up, I know my lines, I don't bump into the furniture, I'm easy to work with.  Eddie Bunker told me years ago that I was going to have to show people immediately that I don't bite because of my looks. 

AM:  If anyone watches all your movie parts they are going to think you are more intimidating.  I guess that can work in your favor.

DT:  People always complain about the paparazzi.  They have always been cool with me.  They always ask me if they can take a picture. 

AM:  I'm sure they don't want to be on the other side of your anger!

DT:  (Laughing)

AM: Some actors just play themselves so if that's you then I wouldn't want to get you angry!!!  They don't want to mess with you!  (Laughing)

DT:  What I have always found funny is, Hollywood wants guys who can ACT tough, they don't want tough guys.  The bad boys of Hollywood are girls to me.  I take it with a grain of salt when I work with them.  That's their shtick.  They always treat me with respect.

AM:  I like how all the Rappers and Urban Artists really love you.

DT:  They will stand up when I come into a room.  (laughing)  A lot of them try and portray guys that have been to the joint, really hard guys.  I think it's cute when they talk about how they grew up on the streets and I want to tell them that Broadway two shows a night doesn't count!  It's none of my business.

AM:  What do you think was the turning point for your career to get so hot?

DT:  I honestly believe it is hard work and perseverance and then 'Machete.'

AM:  It could be that you're a really good actor as well.  Everybody loves 'SherryBaby' with you and Maggie Gyllenhaal.  You really got a chance to act.

DT:  I really didn't want to do that movie.  It was so dramatic.

AM: Did you not want to have to act that much?

DT:  Well I always thought I was acting, but the movie with Maggie really got me in touch with some heavy stuff.  I had to play a guy who helps this girl.  It isn't my usual character.  There are some heavy scenes in this film.  It's a hell of a movie!

AM:  Were you afraid you wouldn't be good in it or did you just not want to go there emotionally?

DT:  It just didn't seem like fun.  I am supposed to feel sorry for this girl and help her.  The director, Laurie Collyer really helped me get the part right when she told me to think about my own daughter in this situation.  I almost busted into tears right there.  When we did the scene almost everybody cried.  I didn't like having to go there.  It did show me what real actors do. 

AM:  Did you think you had that ability inside yourself?

DT:  I always felt like I could do anything.  It didn't matter what it was, just let me do it.  That movie went all over the world.  I even went to Prague with that movie. 

AM:  How many films have you been in now?

DT:  Over two hundred. 

AM:  I bet you're going to get some kind of recognition.

DT:  Just for being in so many films!

AM:  And for being good in all of them. 

DT:  Eddie Bunker once told me that the whole world can think you're a movie star but you can't.  It's just my job.

AM:  When I first met you people would recognize you but nobody knew your name and now everyone knows your name.

DT:  What blows my mind is I'll be driving with shades, a hat and tinted windows and I'll hear beep, beep, beep and the car next to me will be waving and saying hi! (laughing)  How do they recognize me?  My Mom feels the difference too.  They tease her at the market.

AM:  How is your son Gilbert doing?

DT:  He is great.  Gilbert is producing, directing and starring in his own film.  He's just about ready to go.  Everyone is doing him favors.  Even though it was hard with his name being Trejo he really went about this on his own.  He met Harrison Ford's son and I did a film with Harrison years ago, so we know him.  Michele Rodriguez is going to be in the movie too.

AM:  Don't you have to travel more than you used to for work? 

DT:  Unfortunately Schwarzenegger really messed up the movie business in Los Angeles.  You have to remember that he never made a low budget movie.  He didn't care about the little guy and he never has. 

AM:  I think it's great that you are elevating Latinos in the business.  It seems like it is so difficult.

DT:  I'm doing a film now called 'Strike One.' I'm working with a fifteen year old actor named Johnny Ortiz who got a write up in the paper and he said he was so honored to work with an actor like Danny Trejo. 

AM:  You are the man now.  You've earned this coveted position and place of honor.

DT:  I'm still not going to wear sweaters with letters on them.

AM:  Are you going to make more films with Robert Rodriguez?

DT:  Yes, we are going to film 'Machete 2.'  He's writing the script now. 

AM:  One last question Danny.  Did you ever think you would be in a Muppet Movie?

DT:  (Laughing)  It's funny because I always loved the two cranky old guys in the balcony.  I had to learn the song.  I'm driving around with my loud sound system playing that song.  The Muppets are in jail and I'm in jail with them and they are told they are being released and I yell out, "I'm a Muppet!"

  

Carlos Gallardo: The Original 'Mariachi'

photos: Alan Mercer assisted by: Richard Levi

When he was six years old, Carlos Gallardo fantasized about being involved in the world of cinema. He did not know he would do it, but his greatest desire was to enter that marvelous dream world. It came as no surprise, then, when at a young age he decided on a career as an Actor / filmmaker. From the day he made this decision on, he let his imagination run free.

Carlos began by making home videos, but by the time he turned 13, he had become a full-fledged director: 'I made my first movie with an 8mmm camera loaned to me by a friend of my father', he reminisces about his early experiences in film.

Carlos Gallardo's first taste of fame came with the feature film 'El Mariachi,' a critically-acclaimed film renowned for costing $7,000 to make. The film won the 1993 Sundance Film Festival, and won Gallardo an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, an accolade he shared with Rodriguez. He is also credited as unit production manager and for special effects in 'El Mariachi.'

Following 'El Mariachi,' Gallardo went on to be co-producer of the Robert Rodriguez-directed Mexico Trilogy sequels, 'Desperado' and 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico.' Both films featured Antonio Banderas in the role of 'El Mariachi,' in place of Gallardo, though Gallardo does have a cameo role in 'Desperado,' playing El Mariachi's buddy Campa.

Gallardo co-wrote, produced and starred in the title role of 2004 independent action thriller, 'Bandido.' He is also a producer for 2004 Colombian TV series.

Carlos also participated in the Robert Rodriguez production titled 'Curandero' where he plays the lead. 'Curandero' was directed by Eduardo Rodriguez.

I remember hearing about and then seeing 'El Mariachi' when it came out. Carlos Gallardo stood out as the lead of the film. I was pleased to be able to work with him on some new photographs at this point in his career. Richard Levi was available to help me get the good shots. We all talked about what is going on with Carlos after the photo session.

AM: What was it like being a kid and being so focused on film-making?

CG: That's a great question that nobody else has ever asked me. That is something that I have always asked myself. Why do I love this business? My parents are not in show business. Now my daughter already has it in her DNA so she is interested in the business. My first question is always, 'Are you born with it?' I was raised in a small town. My parents moved to this small town in the late 1940's. I was around in the 70's and they would always take me to the movies.

AM: How often would you go to the movies?

CG: My Mom would take us three times a week because it was such a little town and there was nothing else to do.

AM: What did your parents do for a living?

CG: Mom was a housewife and mostly did community work. My Dad was a gynecologist. I remember endlessly falling asleep at many, many movies. The movie theater was only a block from my house. Then there was a big theater a mile from home. So I do ask myself if that influenced me in my decision to make movies. That has always been the question and I don't have the answer. Robert (Rodriguez) says you are born with it which I believe, and others say, it all depends on how you were raised as a child. The second thing I have thought about is that I am a Leo and what is a Leo? It is the center of attention. Madonna and Antonio Banderas are Leos.

AM: I am a Leo!

CG: We are all Leos. So let's add a little bit of this to the mix with... at one point did I specifically say I want to make movies? I remember being five, six, and seven years old and wishing I was being filmed in the backyard. Then I do remember having some sort of feeling where people were looking at me. I wasn't that into sports but I did play a little football. I would always imagine having an audience and that would make me feel better.

AM: That's very Leo!

CG: OK, the most honest answer is when I was eleven or twelve I recorded my voice and I hated it. Then I saw 'The Road Warrior" with Mel Gibson and he spoke very little. So I said, "That's the type of movie I want to make!" I want to play someone who doesn't speak too much. Movies....yes, but with that same feeling as "The Road Warrior." This is the most honest answer I can give you.

RL: Did you go to film school?

CG: I didn't go to film school. We started making movies at twelve or thirteen.

AM: This is you and Robert Rodriquez?

CG: Yes. My parents sent me to San Antonio to a Catholic Seminary school. I had to live there. Robert was also a freshman. We met on the first weekend of school. Everybody was gone except for five kids so we decided to go to the movies.

AM: Was 'El Mariachi' a surprise hit?

CG: I think Robert was more surprised than me. This was the first time I saw myself on film.

AM: Did you think you WERE the Road Warrior?

CG: Yes I did. My dream came true because TIME magazine called me 'Mad Max.' I always knew we had something great. Also not being from LA, my mind was not clustered to be afraid. I didn't have one mustard seed of fear!

RL: Didn't they consider the film something of a miracle?

CG: They called it a movie miracle right on the poster. I thought why is it a movie miracle? Is that because of me or Robert? He didn't even want the movie to be released. So if it was a miracle and someone had faith. I had all the faith. Those things are hard to say. Was it Robert having so much talent or me having so much faith that made it a movie miracle? Before we shot the film I told Robert we have to go to Mass because that is something we were taught as kids.

AM: Did 'El Mariachi' change your lives?

CG: We didn't know anything about the business. We made 'Desperado' without doing it the way we wanted to. Peter Guber and Mark Anthony had just been fired from Columbia Pictures. The new administration came in and said they wanted to change the movie. I just wanted to get a movie that was made with real money so that would be on our credits. That was very important to me.

AM: Did you know Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek would be stars when they were cast in Desperado?

CG: We cast Salma a year before we filmed. At that moment in time you do not know those things. We didn't understand the 'star thing' we were just making movies. We weren't thinking about what comes after. We saw her on an HBO program and loved her. Antonio came in after Peter and Mark were fired. Antonio had just made 'Philadelphia' for Columbia so they wanted him in the lead.

AM: What do you say to critics who say 'El Mariachi' is the better film?

CG: I have to be neutral because I own both movies. I do say thank you very much as the actor, and as a producer I say, "They gave us money and I wanted to blow stuff up!" That was the whole point. You see the genius part was done with 'El Mariachi' not knowing we were doing it. Later it becomes normal movie-making life. We know what we are doing now. This is a business. The beginning has nothing to do with Hollywood or the business so it is innocent.

AM: Can you tell me about filming 'Bandido?'

CG: I'll tell you the story about 'Bandido.' Right after 'El Mariachi' I got my first check. I just put the check in the bank. Then I saw a ninja motorcycle and all of a sudden I have the power to buy it.

RL: Did you buy the bike?

CG: You have to be careful with money! My parents taught me good. So I got my bike and I listened to this Miguel Bose song that talked about being your lover Bandido. The idea is to change the word to a positive meaning. I kept hearing the song and I was flamboyant enough to think maybe I can make a character based on this. It was never an attempt to copy James Bond.

AM: Will there be a Bandido 2?

CG: We are planning a sequel, definitely. They are not easy to make. They are independent action films. The whole point is to create something bigger than what they give you money for. I want to start this next movie with second unit. Nobody has ever done that. Everyone starts with first unit and then finally goes ok second unit. This is a whole different idea. You have to think creative when you produce.

AM: Have you grown into producing?

CG: I think I have grown into it because the producer in me gives the job to the actor in me. That is the main reason I became a producer. I don't like being the bad guy. I like being the good guy that can share with everyone. Hollywood doesn't know that part of me. A lot of studios don't know who I really am.

AM: Are you interested in more television?

CG: No, no, no, I'm totally a film guy. There is some TV out there that is interesting. CSI is very interesting but I am a fan of Jerry Bruckhiemer. TV requires a different skill. With a movie you can get in character and do your scenes and then edit it to make it right. With TV you have to be on at certain times and it can be harder to get the feeling. It's always can you speak a little faster and do this a little faster. It's a different medium for me.

AM: Will you make a cameo in 'Machete?'

CG: I want to. I don't want to get killed in this one because I have already been killed in all the other ones.

AM: Can you talk about some projects you are working on now?

CG: I like to go out and find directors to make their first time film. This is a very important message. People say why would you do a movie with someone when you haven't seen their work. That is when you gamble. For the last couple of years I have tried to work with two directors, one is twenty-one and the other is fifty-something. Both are making their first film. I go through the process and make the movies and try to discover new directors. I'm always on the look out for the next one. I love to gamble myself into new movies with new talent. I love to work in a team.