ACTOR HELPS SAINT IGNATIUS KICK OFF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

He took questions from our Association of Latin American Students and the Harlequins, the campus acting club.

 

Trejo, who found a career in the movies after a prayerful and dramatic life turn, talked about what his life has taught him, including the time he spent in prison.  He told students his own Cannonball Moment came when he had a conversation with God, promising to represent Him well if he could turn his life around…and he did!

 

He mentioned his film Spy Kids, saying he still keeps in touch with the children - now adults - who were in the cast with him. Trejo also spoke about a special Halloween moment related to Machete, his character in that movie.

 

“I answered the door, and there were four little kids dressed as Machete, and it’s just like, wow, not Batman, not Superman…Machete,” said Trejo on this first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. “I was the first Latino super hero!”

 

Beyond specific career reflections, Trejo touched on what was important to him:  Being a good father, how he makes it his mission to respect everyone on his film sets, and how success takes perseverance.

 

Saint Ignatius Senior Gustavo Preciado  brought a book for Trejo to sign.  He was excited to meet the actor and said, “As a Latino, it means a lot to see someone as iconic as Danny Trejo here at our school...He’s so full of wisdom.”

 

We asked Trejo what message he always hopes to send young people.

 

“The one lesson I hope to leave is that drugs and alcohol will ruin your life,” said Trejo, “Education is the key to anything you want to do.  Anything."