People began lining up as early as 5 a.m. Tuesday to see Danny Trejo speak at Fresno City College, and ended up packing the Old Administration Building.

The 80-year-old actor reflected on a life shaped by addiction and incarceration. Now 57 years sober, Trejo delivered a message centered on responsibility and second chances.

“Everybody knew I was an addict but me,” Trejo said about the denial that trapped him for years.

Known for his tough-guy roles and unmistakable screen presence, Trejo spoke as part of the FCC Speakers Forum, sharing how he overcame adversity to find success in Hollywood.

Trejo, an East Los Angeles native with more than 40 years in film and television, is instantly recognizable for roles in movies such as Machete, Anaconda, Desperad,o and From Dusk Till Dawn.

But he told the audience that fame was not the reason he was there. Instead, he focused on the years before his acting career, when drugs, violence, and prison defined his daily life.

Trejo’s Backstory

Growing up surrounded by addiction, Trejo said he believed chaos was normal. That belief followed him into adulthood, leading to repeated incarcerations at Soledad, Vacaville, and San Quentin prisons.

A turning point came in prison, when Trejo committed to sobriety and faith. After his release in 1969, he remained clean and began working as a substance abuse counselor, helping others navigate recovery. That commitment, he said, is the foundation of his life even now.

Actor By Chance

Trejo said his acting career began almost by accident in 1985, when he arrived on a movie set to help someone seeking sobriety. That chance encounter led to his first role and eventually to a career with more than 500 acting credits. Still, Trejo emphasized that success never replaced service.

“Everything I have,” he said, “comes from helping someone else.”

Throughout the talk, Trejo repeatedly returned to the idea of choice, especially for young people. Addiction, he explained, often begins subtly disguised as social habits or stress relief until it gets out of hand. It starts small, some weed here or there until eventually the smoking becomes more and more common. 

“Drugs are an addiction, I don’t care what you say, “ said Trejo. 

He urged students to be honest with themselves and to seek help early, stressing that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Service Is Key to Staying Grounded

Whether through counseling, mentoring, or simply being present for someone else, Trejo said service is the key to staying grounded. His restaurants, books, and public appearances, he noted, are all extensions of that philosophy.

For many students in attendance, Trejo’s story served as a reminder that the past does not determine the future. His life, marked by mistakes and recovery, stood as proof that change is possible at any stage.

The crowd cheered him on as he left the stage, many people staying behind at a chance to get an autographed photo.