Danny Trejo Learns About His Ancestors' Arduous Journey from Mexico to the U.S.

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 25 січ 2023
  • Because of a strained relationship with his father, actor Danny Trejo never learned much about his roots. But here, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. reveals the story of his great-grandparents' and their four children's grueling journey by foot from Mexico to the U.S. shortly after World War I.
    Be sure to tune in to @PBS on Tuesday nights at 8/7c for new episodes of #findingyourroots !

КОМЕНТАРІ • 276

  • @SMcCaskill
    @SMcCaskill Рік тому +221

    Nothing worse for a kid growing up than having a parent that hates them or is a bully.

  • @JasonSmith-sz6pp
    @JasonSmith-sz6pp Рік тому +363

    Dranny Trejo has honored his bloodline and family trials with his success.Truly a model for young Hispanics of the future.

    • @jodiehighroller9820
      @jodiehighroller9820 11 місяців тому

      @@juanfgonzalez2039just shut up dude

    • @kennethmartinez8731
      @kennethmartinez8731 11 місяців тому

      The history of Hispanics, come here from Europe on ships with slaves, slaughter indigenous Build an empire from slavery, fail and come to America and pretend to be brown indigenous

    • @TerminatedAccount.
      @TerminatedAccount. 11 місяців тому +8

      Mexicans*

    • @EriBarr
      @EriBarr 10 місяців тому

      Isn’t he in trouble for tax fraud?

    • @freudenberg101
      @freudenberg101 8 місяців тому

      ​@@EriBarrNo one is safe from the government these days, especially if you speak out as a celebrity.

  • @JNovoa-cu4pv
    @JNovoa-cu4pv Рік тому +163

    He’s in awe of his bisabuelo, but his bisabuelo would be in awe of him. Came from the streets of East Los & became a movie star, but more importantly a great man.

  • @chuniquepaceno470
    @chuniquepaceno470 Рік тому +363

    People who know something about Mexican history would note that the year in which his grandfather/mother migrated to the US--1918--would make them refugees from the Revolucion de 1910, which was a violent civil war that brought an official end to the Porfiriato and lasted well over 15 years and in which it was estimated that 10% of Mexico's population migrated to the United States...which also coinsides with the percentage of the population that died in the violence, if I recall.

    • @jrdardonl
      @jrdardonl Рік тому +4

      Fue lo que pensé al escuchar la entrevista, pero con lo último que Vd. menciona no parece cuadrar. ¿Cómo puede igualarse el porcentaje de refugiados con el de las víctimas de la guerra? ¡Aquello no tiene sentido!

    • @wea_lodd9961
      @wea_lodd9961 Рік тому +16

      @@jrdardonl I think he means that Mexico lost a total of 20% population

    • @justicejoycetv
      @justicejoycetv Рік тому +5

      Thx for this.

    • @rherrera4177
      @rherrera4177 Рік тому +16

      My grandmother and her family came to the US in 1910, she was 10 years old. They were from the state of Durango and claimed Pancho Villa came to her village and she saw him.

    • @user-zn3sh9lq3e
      @user-zn3sh9lq3e Рік тому +1

      Porfidio Diaz ruled for more like 50 years

  • @Rita-yw2tn
    @Rita-yw2tn Рік тому +286

    This guy is an amazing actor and you can just tell that he’s a good man .

    • @jamestaylor3805
      @jamestaylor3805 Рік тому +17

      He tells a story about a game of dominos while in jail... he was very close to not being a good man, and that's what makes him special.

    • @kbanghart
      @kbanghart Рік тому +3

      ​@@jamestaylor3805 we all have baggage of some kind.

    • @jamestaylor3805
      @jamestaylor3805 Рік тому

      @@kbanghart i wasn't implying baggage, but mmmkay.

    • @kbanghart
      @kbanghart Рік тому

      @@jamestaylor3805 mmmmmm

    • @TheLemon333
      @TheLemon333 10 місяців тому +1

      @@jamestaylor3805 Baggage=Past. We all have one.

  • @denisseg9103
    @denisseg9103 Рік тому +334

    I love this show ❤ as a fellow Mexican American whose grandpa came on foot to give us a better life this made me so emotional

    • @jonathanaldecoa1099
      @jonathanaldecoa1099 Рік тому +5

      Mad respect brother ❤🕺🙏

    • @Daniel-yt6sc
      @Daniel-yt6sc Рік тому

      You are American. Mexican American is what white people gave you to make you a foreign person in your land. You are American and white people are euro-American

    • @eu8962
      @eu8962 Рік тому +5

      and now you vote for trump yeah yeah

    • @Daniel-yt6sc
      @Daniel-yt6sc Рік тому +3

      @@eu8962 😂

    • @Daniel-yt6sc
      @Daniel-yt6sc Рік тому

      @@robles100 well, I guess it’s understandable why you voted for trump and being an immigrant. I don’t think you know much of the bad history of this country that Trump represents. Ignorance is a bliss they say.

  • @mkelly534
    @mkelly534 Рік тому +177

    I am a big fan of Danny and I am glad he achieved so much success after a rough start

    • @larryhullinger4141
      @larryhullinger4141 Рік тому +2

      If you ever get a chance I highly suggest eating at Trejo's tacos You won't regret it

    • @susieusmaximus5330
      @susieusmaximus5330 Рік тому +1

      I second that recommendation. The food is delicious and reasonably priced, and the service was lovely, really friendly and kind.

    • @jonathanaldecoa1099
      @jonathanaldecoa1099 Рік тому +2

      Yeah I’m here in Whittier, I’m not far away. In fact I should cruise down this weekend 😎🕺

  • @TonyPstunts
    @TonyPstunts Рік тому +119

    My father is the exact same way. The only emotion he ever showed me was stern contempt, labored and conditional acceptance but both were always second to discipline. Dad always had to exert himself to me and anyone watching. That he was the boss and that his sons are his subordinates.
    Pop was a wrecking ball, when he thought he was a builder.

    • @jonathanaldecoa1099
      @jonathanaldecoa1099 Рік тому +3

      Yeah bro, I hear you ❤🙏🕺

    • @BlazingShackles
      @BlazingShackles Рік тому +6

      Narcissist like mine.

    • @cheuikim3722
      @cheuikim3722 Рік тому +8

      I want to be a builder…thank you for your insight. I hope you are strong today.

    • @alicyclicda3566
      @alicyclicda3566 Рік тому +2

      tough to grow up w a dad that way.

    • @LG-jv3th
      @LG-jv3th 10 місяців тому +4

      Mine was beyond Evil 👿 & Selfish. It was annoying to listen to his wife’s granddaughter tell me my Bio-Demon bought her Christmas gifts & taught her about life… he Never did that for me. The only thing he did was left me traumatized instead of loved & protected. I did not introduce my children to him, and thank God they have no
      Memories like I do.

  • @leonardothefabulous3490
    @leonardothefabulous3490 Рік тому +46

    Way back in the 80's, before Danny was known to anyone, my good friend Paul and I had moved from Long Island-New York to West LA and we discovered, then got ourselves a City pass to workout in what we called, "The Pit" which is mistakenly called "Muscle Beach" by most-and Danny, like us was a regular. We got to know him as just one of the other guys who worked out on the beach. SO great to see how far he's come. Bravo Brother!

  • @jobmel-vh2mb
    @jobmel-vh2mb Рік тому +57

    I don’t care what Race you are, you have to respect him. Danny is a real solid dude. Salute

  • @brookeb452
    @brookeb452 Рік тому +85

    Danny Trejo has an amazing story himself, and a reminder that we can all find personal redemption in our lives if we seek it ❤

  • @ccramit
    @ccramit 27 днів тому +3

    Never be ashamed of where you came from. I am here because I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors. I am not Mexican, but I have a similar story. I want to have children, not to pass on my legacy, but to pass on the legacy of my parents and their parents.

  • @napoliansolo7865
    @napoliansolo7865 Рік тому +39

    Danny Trejo is a great person.

  • @venturefanatic9262
    @venturefanatic9262 Рік тому +60

    Danny seems like such a caring guy, sad he had to endure such a rocky start.

    • @usnchief1339
      @usnchief1339 Рік тому +4

      His past is what made him the man he is today

    • @khismet
      @khismet 11 місяців тому +1

      His rocky start helped to shape him into the brilliant Diamond that he is today. 💎💎💎 He's a one of a kind gem!

  • @luci1474
    @luci1474 22 дні тому +2

    My son is 14 and he LOVES Danny, I hope every generation continues to recognize this great actor's talent and kindness.

  • @jonathanaldecoa1099
    @jonathanaldecoa1099 Рік тому +28

    I’m a Chicano dude from L.A.. I find it interesting that Danny’s father was distant from him, but warm with family friends kid’s and family member’s kids. My grandfather was similar with his kids. I don’t know if it’s a Chicano thing or perhaps a generational thing. My mom and her siblings were raised here in Los Angeles. Boyle Heights and Lincoln Heights. My grandfather was old school and my mom’s generation were considered “pocho”. Anyway, peace from a dude from L.A.🕺😎❤️

    • @margaretcastellano3167
      @margaretcastellano3167 Рік тому +7

      Not all Chicano fathers are like that. I have a funny, easy going, loving, happy Dad.

    • @jonathanaldecoa1099
      @jonathanaldecoa1099 Рік тому +7

      @@margaretcastellano3167 no disrespect young lady. You’re correct, we all grow up different. My brother is a a good father and I’m sure your pops is awesome too. Peace sister 😎❤️🕺

  • @alexissanchez5843
    @alexissanchez5843 Рік тому +14

    To here hear that his family is from San Luis potosi too is awesome...

  • @mitmitization
    @mitmitization Рік тому +25

    It’s interesting how we don’t seem to give our ancestors enough credit but what they went through just to migrate to the USA 🇺🇸, is nothing short of a miracle! 🙏 🌎🙏

  • @egocentric222
    @egocentric222 Рік тому +12

    My husband is from San Luis Potosí, we love it there. My Dad was born in San Antonio, so ironic how similar our stories are.

  • @mrmyth5846
    @mrmyth5846 Рік тому +16

    I love Danny, he’s played some great character roles and bit parts over the years, and it’s good to see him get starring rolls.

  • @dripphoenix80
    @dripphoenix80 8 місяців тому +5

    I met Danny at a restaurant a few years ago, he invited me to talk with him and his family at the table. Just the nicest person (and family). Sorry for everything he went through, but happy for the person he became

  • @YvonneMendezRealtor
    @YvonneMendezRealtor Рік тому +11

    The sacrifices of ancestors. Danny is so humble ❤.

  • @soniaweakley6126
    @soniaweakley6126 Рік тому +12

    I guess many of our Mexican Ancestors followed the same path…. My Great Grandparents came From San Luis Potosí and Monterrey. We are San Antonianos en Texas❤

  • @josebravo5125
    @josebravo5125 Рік тому +17

    Mr. Danny Trejo is an LA legend. A real OG vato that knew the struggle.

  • @jenniferlyons4150
    @jenniferlyons4150 6 місяців тому +2

    My great grandparents lived in a shack when they came from Mexico. My great grandfather worked on the railroad line. Their sons all served in the US Army and survived WWII and Korean War. All her kids supported my great grandmother, they had 6 sons and 2 daughters! 😊

  • @Astroponicist
    @Astroponicist 11 місяців тому +4

    by 44 seconds into the video the two men describe their fathers as kind to others & cold to them. both of the men in the video are well respected & successful.

  • @loveheals1020
    @loveheals1020 Рік тому +19

    I admire, respect, and look up to you more than anyone thinks, your strength, resilience. To me, you are a HERO.

  • @D.Salazar
    @D.Salazar Рік тому +9

    "Danny's parents had a tumultuous relationship"
    The beginning to every Mexican relationship 😘
    Excited to watch, would love to see more Mexican ancestry stories 😍

  • @WileChile51
    @WileChile51 Рік тому +34

    This was so nice to watch, I teared up more than once! What a cool guy. I can relate to not knowing much about ancestors, it's great to see someone learn about theirs.

  • @royallion3925
    @royallion3925 Рік тому +5

    That’s is awesome Danny roots are from cedral San Luis Potosí, I have family that still live there to this day and it’s a small but growing town!

  • @Eve181dublin
    @Eve181dublin 9 місяців тому +4

    Was reading about his life, glad he saw him mother later in life. A very tough start, I hope the rest of his life has been happier, I wish him the best, he seems like a good guy.

  • @lisabowers2197
    @lisabowers2197 Рік тому +14

    Very sweet story, it makes me/ you understand what our elders went through to get us here. Thanks to the patriarchs and matriarchs that paved the way for US

  • @nancycavazos183
    @nancycavazos183 11 місяців тому +7

    Awesome story of overcoming obstacles but made me cry to hear Danny’s relationship with his Dad that’s very heartbreaking 😢 You’re an awesome man Mr Trejo still have a positive attitude Sir! ♥️💪🏻

  • @Danny-fs1hk
    @Danny-fs1hk Рік тому +19

    Danny Trejo! Thanks for this outstanding content, Dr Gates!

  • @ireneguzman6898
    @ireneguzman6898 Рік тому +11

    I watched the segment and was enlightened. I didn't know all this information about him. Very interesting. I found this segment by accident but I am so glad I found it and watched it. Very proud of him!

  • @D.Salazar
    @D.Salazar Рік тому +3

    Living vicariously through Trejo's family roots back to Mexico 🇲🇽 ❤

  • @scootertramp4355
    @scootertramp4355 Рік тому +10

    Robbed somebody. That sums up Danny Trejo in one short sentence. He doesn't pull his punches and he freely admits where he started from.

  • @mariarivera806
    @mariarivera806 Рік тому +5

    My grandfather was born in 1865, my father in 1910, my grandmother came to USA in 1925, my mother was born that Yr, but my grandmother didn’t like the United States and left back to Mexico, then my mother grew up, she married and it went bad, my grandmother told them that she was from America, it’s a long story, back to my father, I think we are over 2,000 strong today, Covid messed up the reunion, But it’s coming soon!

  • @darkangel_1978
    @darkangel_1978 6 місяців тому +1

    I love Danny Trejo. I'm meeting him next month, and I can't wait.

  • @2KADz
    @2KADz 3 місяці тому

    Tragic Stories, but BEAUTIFUL..!! Everyone Alive today..NEED TO REALIZE... GOD HAD A HAND IN THEM BEING HERE...

  • @amanhilldcmoviesseries1673
    @amanhilldcmoviesseries1673 Рік тому +11

    this dude is amazing continue to heal

    • @lulumoon6942
      @lulumoon6942 4 місяці тому +1

      Definitely takes a lifetime. 🙏

    • @amnhllco
      @amnhllco 3 місяці тому

      @@lulumoon6942 yep

  • @bohemianclub9550
    @bohemianclub9550 Рік тому +3

    Amazing story on what he's ancestors were and what he is nowadays....he is a great guy 👍

  • @dana.j9062
    @dana.j9062 11 місяців тому +1

    The Man the Myth and the Legendary Danny Trejo 🙌 🫶

  • @gguzmanrico
    @gguzmanrico 10 місяців тому +3

    These are good hombres! Thank you Danny.

  • @jordan7590
    @jordan7590 2 місяці тому

    I want to give this man a hug

  • @NubianNarrator
    @NubianNarrator 8 місяців тому +1

    A truly beautiful human ❤

  • @CNNWANNABE
    @CNNWANNABE Рік тому +3

    Wow! He comes from greatness!

  • @marlyngonzalez8214
    @marlyngonzalez8214 Рік тому +5

    Danny trejo es mi amor platónico, ojalá algún día tenga la oportunidad de conocerlo en persona...

  • @jfk64kennedy95
    @jfk64kennedy95 9 місяців тому +1

    I've read about Trejo's life journey, it would make a great movie, imo..

  • @melissamorton1282
    @melissamorton1282 4 місяці тому

    Danny Trejo is an absolute legend. I appreciate him so much. He is what makes America ❤

  • @eu8962
    @eu8962 Рік тому +2

    Im full blood mexican and my grandma was born in texas then moved back to mexico and had all her children in mexico, this decisions changed all of our lifes....

  • @cynthiaschultheis1660
    @cynthiaschultheis1660 11 місяців тому +1

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE DANNY TREJO😍😍😍😍😍

  • @mrwhitefolks1211
    @mrwhitefolks1211 Місяць тому

    Love danny ❤❤❤.
    Its alot he wears on his sleeve...👍👍

  • @mariasiburt1755
    @mariasiburt1755 Рік тому +8

    I ADMIRE DANNY TREJO SO MUCH!....HE IS A GREAT ACTOR....I CALL HIM MACHETE!

  • @thegeneral7043
    @thegeneral7043 Рік тому +4

    My family traveled halfway around the globe to get hear. I'd say that was arduous.

  • @skylerkey1126
    @skylerkey1126 8 місяців тому

    Danny Trejo deserves closure I'm glad he has something now. HE DESERVES IT!

  • @markrich3271
    @markrich3271 4 місяці тому +1

    Danny's mother was beautiful.

  • @raybustos4987
    @raybustos4987 8 місяців тому +2

    You know his face is so iconic that it's the face of L.A.
    Besides Andre the Giant.

  • @LukeO870
    @LukeO870 11 місяців тому

    "Con Animo"...💪

  • @karenagundez1074
    @karenagundez1074 Рік тому +4

    WHERE CAN I WATCH THIS FULL EPISODE OF DANNY TREJO

  • @jeshuaavila1620
    @jeshuaavila1620 3 місяці тому

    Thats cool my mom is from san luis potosi i been there a few times.

  • @gerardomorales5214
    @gerardomorales5214 Рік тому +4

    Hard worker mexican really strong faith on his journey not every one make it real.

  • @guysabol8743
    @guysabol8743 10 місяців тому +1

    danny is one heck agood actor of his ownright..blessing to you danny.. Machete~! ~!

  • @kimwilliams1402
    @kimwilliams1402 Рік тому +6

    He is a great actor

  • @papagato5148
    @papagato5148 Рік тому +1

    That is very interesting

  • @pamparker4047
    @pamparker4047 9 місяців тому

    his story is heartbreaking

  • @areiaaphrodite
    @areiaaphrodite 10 днів тому

    Danny's mother was gorgeous ❤

  • @BobF510
    @BobF510 7 місяців тому +1

    I love the depth of this material. I’ve encountered a book with similar themes that was transformative. "Temporal Echoes: Amelia's Odyssey Through Ancestral Shadows" by Vivian Rosewood

  • @vanessagreenlee5618
    @vanessagreenlee5618 Рік тому

    Danny Trejo,is a great actor,I enjoyed his performances in the 1995 movie desperado,1996 movie till dusk till dawn,1998 till dusk till dawn Texas blood money,till dusk till dawn,the hangman's daughter,1999,Halloween,2007.

  • @angelacruseo8767
    @angelacruseo8767 Рік тому +1

    My family also immigrated on foot to this country

  • @jimmymora9776
    @jimmymora9776 Рік тому +2

    Wish they would of kept going, Danny is an Echo Park native - as am I

  • @TexasRivermedic
    @TexasRivermedic Рік тому +3

    My grandmother chopped wood back about the same time in east Texas for $0.10 a day. Rent was $3.00 a month

  • @Monk-vj9ib
    @Monk-vj9ib 11 місяців тому

    AYEEE THATS SO COOL, LAREDO ON THIS IS SO COOL

  • @ramco6555
    @ramco6555 Рік тому +9

    No puedo escribir de manera correcta el idioma Inglés, pero el ejemplo de Danny Trejo es el ejemplo de muchos mexicanos que emigraron de su País de origen, para trabajar muy duro y conseguir una vida más digna para si y su familia.Mi admiración para el Sr. Trejo.

  • @ericestrada2634
    @ericestrada2634 Рік тому +7

    Dang Danny's grandpa was ten minutes away from my greatgrandfathers in Mexico

  • @mrblue8439
    @mrblue8439 4 місяці тому

    Met him in 2023 very nice guy. Showed him my St. Michael tattoo, he said "Oh man, God bless you."

  • @paulsmallriver6066
    @paulsmallriver6066 Рік тому

    That was two treasures sitting in that room together

  • @charlesyniguez2392
    @charlesyniguez2392 Рік тому

    My grandma was from the Texas region to from Mexico yakie Indians Sonora that's kool from the early 1900s she would be just lil younger than than Danny's grandfather

  • @YatWeh
    @YatWeh Рік тому

    👑 of 👑's ♾️

  • @bernadettecrawford3656
    @bernadettecrawford3656 10 місяців тому

    Sad for Dannys hes a great actor

  • @StarOfHala
    @StarOfHala Рік тому

    Im from San Luis Potosì too

  • @JustMeeee369
    @JustMeeee369 Рік тому +9

    @0:31 "Street angel - house devil" 🛣️😇 🏚️👿 😥

  • @alezandradavila2581
    @alezandradavila2581 11 місяців тому

    Wow

  • @aob4585
    @aob4585 Рік тому +3

    Loved the show, concerned at Danny's facial droop.

  • @hugoangelcuevas341
    @hugoangelcuevas341 Рік тому +1

    🇲🇽👑

  • @Madmun357
    @Madmun357 Рік тому +2

    2:34 BTW, that's not anywhere near San Luis Potosi. Saguaro cactus are in the Sonoran desert. Mexican immigrants have ALWAYS had it tough coming to the US. They're a hearty bunch.

  • @kevinyoung947
    @kevinyoung947 4 місяці тому

    Running water at that time was a rarity for anyone, teepees didnt have any of those things either my great grandfather came down Mexico as well at about that time, remember those conditions were bad but better then Mexico which is obvious as they send for more family after getting here, same as the Irish

  • @Lv447
    @Lv447 Рік тому

    My favorite 🤎

  • @bigjorge863
    @bigjorge863 Рік тому +3

    He needs his own Biopic by a huge studio not a low budget studio.

  • @Iziireal
    @Iziireal 11 місяців тому +1

    His step mother has a very rich history as well.

  • @leanturkey531
    @leanturkey531 10 місяців тому

    Hey Danny what’s up OG

  • @LTW530
    @LTW530 Рік тому +2

    I can sympathize with him.

  • @adamuzumaki98
    @adamuzumaki98 Рік тому

    Hey, you Umberto?

  • @lulumoon6942
    @lulumoon6942 4 місяці тому

    His parents made a beautiful company, but you never know from just a picture...

  • @patricia5570
    @patricia5570 Рік тому

    Fan

  • @TenekTech
    @TenekTech 9 місяців тому +1

    El bisabuelo Cirilo Garay de San Luis Potosí ❤️🇲🇽

  • @ElegalvicnLa
    @ElegalvicnLa 11 місяців тому +1

    Should be a part two This story wasnt long enough

  • @SebastianOliva
    @SebastianOliva 10 місяців тому

    This cut way too short

  • @franciscarodriguez2855
    @franciscarodriguez2855 11 місяців тому

    San Antonio won’t trade it for anything My home town We always come back There something about the water here lol

  • @SanDiego_VDubLife
    @SanDiego_VDubLife Рік тому

    Coolest dude ever