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

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  • čas přidán 25. 01. 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 !

Komentáře • 272

  • @SMcCaskill
    @SMcCaskill Před rokem +202

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

  • @JasonSmith-sz6pp
    @JasonSmith-sz6pp Před rokem +346

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

    • @jodiehighroller9820
      @jodiehighroller9820 Před 10 měsíci

      @@juanfgonzalez2039just shut up dude

    • @kennethmartinez8731
      @kennethmartinez8731 Před 10 měsíci

      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. Před 10 měsíci +8

      Mexicans*

    • @EriBarr
      @EriBarr Před 9 měsíci

      Isn’t he in trouble for tax fraud?

    • @freudenberg101
      @freudenberg101 Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @JNovoa-cu4pv
    @JNovoa-cu4pv Před rokem +152

    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 Před rokem +354

    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 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +15

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

    • @justicejoycetv
      @justicejoycetv Před rokem +5

      Thx for this.

    • @rherrera4177
      @rherrera4177 Před rokem +15

      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 Před rokem +1

      Porfidio Diaz ruled for more like 50 years

  • @denisseg9103
    @denisseg9103 Před rokem +328

    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 Před rokem +5

      Mad respect brother ❤🕺🙏

    • @Daniel-yt6sc
      @Daniel-yt6sc Před rokem

      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 Před rokem +5

      and now you vote for trump yeah yeah

    • @Daniel-yt6sc
      @Daniel-yt6sc Před rokem +3

      @@eu8962 😂

    • @Daniel-yt6sc
      @Daniel-yt6sc Před 11 měsíci

      @@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.

  • @Rita-yw2tn
    @Rita-yw2tn Před rokem +280

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

    • @jamestaylor3805
      @jamestaylor3805 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +3

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

    • @jamestaylor3805
      @jamestaylor3805 Před rokem

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

    • @kbanghart
      @kbanghart Před rokem

      @@jamestaylor3805 mmmmmm

    • @TheLemon333
      @TheLemon333 Před 10 měsíci +1

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

  • @mkelly534
    @mkelly534 Před rokem +171

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

    • @larryhullinger4141
      @larryhullinger4141 Před rokem +2

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

    • @susieusmaximus5330
      @susieusmaximus5330 Před rokem +1

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

    • @jonathanaldecoa1099
      @jonathanaldecoa1099 Před rokem +2

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

  • @leonardothefabulous3490
    @leonardothefabulous3490 Před rokem +44

    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!

  • @TonyPstunts
    @TonyPstunts Před rokem +114

    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 Před rokem +3

      Yeah bro, I hear you ❤🙏🕺

    • @BlazingShackles
      @BlazingShackles Před rokem +6

      Narcissist like mine.

    • @cheuikim3722
      @cheuikim3722 Před rokem +8

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

    • @alicyclicda3566
      @alicyclicda3566 Před rokem +2

      tough to grow up w a dad that way.

    • @LG-jv3th
      @LG-jv3th Před 9 měsíci +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.

  • @jobmel-vh2mb
    @jobmel-vh2mb Před rokem +53

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

  • @brookeb452
    @brookeb452 Před rokem +82

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

  • @napoliansolo7865
    @napoliansolo7865 Před rokem +38

    Danny Trejo is a great person.

  • @venturefanatic9262
    @venturefanatic9262 Před rokem +57

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

    • @usnchief1339
      @usnchief1339 Před rokem +4

      His past is what made him the man he is today

    • @khismet
      @khismet Před 10 měsíci +1

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

  • @jonathanaldecoa1099
    @jonathanaldecoa1099 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +7

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

    • @jonathanaldecoa1099
      @jonathanaldecoa1099 Před rokem +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 Před rokem +14

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

  • @YvonneMendezRealtor
    @YvonneMendezRealtor Před 11 měsíci +10

    The sacrifices of ancestors. Danny is so humble ❤.

  • @soniaweakley6126
    @soniaweakley6126 Před rokem +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❤

  • @egocentric222
    @egocentric222 Před rokem +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.

  • @josebravo5125
    @josebravo5125 Před rokem +17

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

  • @mitmitization
    @mitmitization Před rokem +24

    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! 🙏 🌎🙏

  • @mrmyth5846
    @mrmyth5846 Před rokem +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 Před 7 měsíci +4

    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

  • @loveheals1020
    @loveheals1020 Před rokem +19

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

  • @WileChile51
    @WileChile51 Před rokem +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.

  • @nancycavazos183
    @nancycavazos183 Před 10 měsíci +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! ♥️💪🏻

  • @royallion3925
    @royallion3925 Před rokem +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!

  • @Astroponicist
    @Astroponicist Před 10 měsíci +3

    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.

  • @Eve181dublin
    @Eve181dublin Před 8 měsíci +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.

  • @Danny-fs1hk
    @Danny-fs1hk Před rokem +18

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

  • @lisabowers2197
    @lisabowers2197 Před rokem +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

  • @mariarivera806
    @mariarivera806 Před rokem +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!

  • @gguzmanrico
    @gguzmanrico Před 10 měsíci +3

    These are good hombres! Thank you Danny.

  • @D.Salazar
    @D.Salazar Před 11 měsíci +3

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

  • @jenniferlyons4150
    @jenniferlyons4150 Před 5 měsíci +1

    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! 😊

  • @amanhilldcmoviesseries1673

    this dude is amazing continue to heal

    • @lulumoon6942
      @lulumoon6942 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Definitely takes a lifetime. 🙏

    • @amnhllco
      @amnhllco Před 2 měsíci

      @@lulumoon6942 yep

  • @scootertramp4355
    @scootertramp4355 Před rokem +9

    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.

  • @jordan7590
    @jordan7590 Před měsícem

    I want to give this man a hug

  • @marlyngonzalez8214
    @marlyngonzalez8214 Před rokem +5

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

  • @D.Salazar
    @D.Salazar Před 11 měsíci +8

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

  • @darkangel_1978
    @darkangel_1978 Před 5 měsíci +1

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

  • @ireneguzman6898
    @ireneguzman6898 Před rokem +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!

  • @markrich3271
    @markrich3271 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Danny's mother was beautiful.

  • @cynthiaschultheis1660
    @cynthiaschultheis1660 Před 10 měsíci +1

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE DANNY TREJO😍😍😍😍😍

  • @bohemianclub9550
    @bohemianclub9550 Před 11 měsíci +3

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

  • @mariasiburt1755
    @mariasiburt1755 Před rokem +8

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

  • @dana.j9062
    @dana.j9062 Před 10 měsíci +1

    The Man the Myth and the Legendary Danny Trejo 🙌 🫶

  • @2KADz
    @2KADz Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @NubianNarrator
    @NubianNarrator Před 7 měsíci +1

    A truly beautiful human ❤

  • @CNNWANNABE
    @CNNWANNABE Před rokem +3

    Wow! He comes from greatness!

  • @LukeO870
    @LukeO870 Před 10 měsíci

    "Con Animo"...💪

  • @gerardomorales5214
    @gerardomorales5214 Před rokem +4

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

  • @kimwilliams1402
    @kimwilliams1402 Před rokem +6

    He is a great actor

  • @thegeneral7043
    @thegeneral7043 Před rokem +4

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

  • @eu8962
    @eu8962 Před rokem +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....

  • @jfk64kennedy95
    @jfk64kennedy95 Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @melissamorton1282
    @melissamorton1282 Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @mrwhitefolks1211
    @mrwhitefolks1211 Před 25 dny

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

  • @ramco6555
    @ramco6555 Před 11 měsíci +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.

  • @karenagundez1074
    @karenagundez1074 Před rokem +4

    WHERE CAN I WATCH THIS FULL EPISODE OF DANNY TREJO

  • @guysabol8743
    @guysabol8743 Před 9 měsíci +1

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

  • @skylerkey1126
    @skylerkey1126 Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @raybustos4987
    @raybustos4987 Před 7 měsíci +2

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

  • @jeshuaavila1620
    @jeshuaavila1620 Před 2 měsíci

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

  • @pamparker4047
    @pamparker4047 Před 8 měsíci

    his story is heartbreaking

  • @jimmymora9776
    @jimmymora9776 Před rokem +2

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

  • @TexasRivermedic
    @TexasRivermedic Před rokem +3

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

  • @papagato5148
    @papagato5148 Před rokem +1

    That is very interesting

  • @angelacruseo8767
    @angelacruseo8767 Před rokem +1

    My family also immigrated on foot to this country

  • @vanessagreenlee5618
    @vanessagreenlee5618 Před rokem

    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.

  • @Monk-vj9ib
    @Monk-vj9ib Před 10 měsíci

    AYEEE THATS SO COOL, LAREDO ON THIS IS SO COOL

  • @BobF510
    @BobF510 Před 6 měsíci +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

  • @paulsmallriver6066
    @paulsmallriver6066 Před rokem

    That was two treasures sitting in that room together

  • @ericestrada2634
    @ericestrada2634 Před rokem +7

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

  • @mrblue8439
    @mrblue8439 Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @bigjorge863
    @bigjorge863 Před 11 měsíci +3

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

  • @StarOfHala
    @StarOfHala Před 11 měsíci

    Im from San Luis Potosì too

  • @bernadettecrawford3656
    @bernadettecrawford3656 Před 9 měsíci

    Sad for Dannys hes a great actor

  • @YatWeh
    @YatWeh Před rokem

    👑 of 👑's ♾️

  • @alezandradavila2581
    @alezandradavila2581 Před 10 měsíci

    Wow

  • @charlesyniguez2392
    @charlesyniguez2392 Před rokem

    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

  • @Madmun357
    @Madmun357 Před rokem +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.

  • @hugoangelcuevas341
    @hugoangelcuevas341 Před rokem +1

    🇲🇽👑

  • @JustMeeee369
    @JustMeeee369 Před rokem +9

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

  • @Lv447
    @Lv447 Před rokem

    My favorite 🤎

  • @Iziireal
    @Iziireal Před 11 měsíci +1

    His step mother has a very rich history as well.

  • @ElegalvicnLa
    @ElegalvicnLa Před 10 měsíci +1

    Should be a part two This story wasnt long enough

  • @Ntplano
    @Ntplano Před rokem +2

    I can sympathize with him.

  • @aob4585
    @aob4585 Před rokem +3

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

  • @SebastianOliva
    @SebastianOliva Před 9 měsíci

    This cut way too short

  • @kevinyoung947
    @kevinyoung947 Před 3 měsíci

    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

  • @adamuzumaki98
    @adamuzumaki98 Před 11 měsíci

    Hey, you Umberto?

  • @lulumoon6942
    @lulumoon6942 Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @terrimiller908
    @terrimiller908 Před rokem +3

    Sounds like my dad

  • @leanturkey531
    @leanturkey531 Před 10 měsíci

    Hey Danny what’s up OG

  • @patricia5570
    @patricia5570 Před rokem

    Fan

  • @TenekTech
    @TenekTech Před 8 měsíci +1

    El bisabuelo Cirilo Garay de San Luis Potosí ❤️🇲🇽

  • @bgomez22gb
    @bgomez22gb Před 11 měsíci +2

    I thought he was gonna say Danny’s father did indeed rob somebody

  • @SanDiego_VDubLife
    @SanDiego_VDubLife Před 11 měsíci

    Coolest dude ever

  • @StephenSternGoth
    @StephenSternGoth Před 11 měsíci

    2:36 🌵ARIZONA🌵

  • @franciscarodriguez2855
    @franciscarodriguez2855 Před 10 měsíci

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