Actor Danny Trejo Credits ‘Grace of God’ for 55 Years Sober
By Movieguide® Contributor
Actor Danny Trejo credited God’s grace for his 55 years of sobriety in a recent Facebook post after becoming addicted as a teenager.
Now 79 years old, the actor wrote, “I’m 55 years clean and sober today by the grace of God! I’ve done this one day at a time, and for anyone out there struggling YOU CAN TOO!”
Immediately, fans around the world congratulated him. One commenter wrote, “Fantastic, you helped a lot of people sharing your story with them when I worked as counselor at a south lake Tahoe rehab. Congratulations.”
Another fan said, “Danny good on you. I love to see people turn their lives around. And find happiness as well as success. You inspire me to keep my nose clean. And strive to reach my goals. I pray every day you get stronger and please keep sharing your wisdom.”
MSN reports, “by the time [Trejo] was 8 years old, he had already started smoking marijuana — and by 12, was drinking.”
During his time in and out of the criminal justice system, Trejo also developed a serious heroin addiction.
While in prison and facing a possible death sentence, Trejo turned to God.
“I was sitting in the hole, and it’s like I knew, it’s all over,” he said to ATI. “It’s just done, I’m through. I’m 24 years old and I’m through. I said, ‘God, if you’re there, then it’s going to be alright. And if you’re not, I’m screwed.’ And that was my prayer. I’ve never forgotten it. And that was just a complete turning point in my life.”
After Trejo was released from prison, he found ways to stay clean, focusing on his recovery. He started attending support group meetings to maintain his sobriety.
Trejo has since used his platform as an actor to share his story of addiction, recovery and redemption. He speaks openly about his past struggles and published “Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood,” which details his story.
Movieguide® previously reported Trejo’s commitment to Jesus:
“I made a deal with God,” actor Danny Trejo recalled. At the time, he was in solitary confinement and facing the death penalty.
“I asked Him to let me die with dignity. Then I promised to always say His name and help my fellow inmates.”
“In that cell God killed the old me, made a new Danny Trejo, and said, ‘Now let’s see what you do with him.’”
NBC News reports that the charges against Trejo were suddenly dropped, and Trejo found himself having to make good on that vow.
“By the grace of God, on August 23, 1969, they let me out. I kept my deal. I say His name 20 times a day, and I help wherever I can,” Trejo said.
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