Danny Trejo Tattoo

By Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson

Mike is an experienced freelance writer.

One of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, Danny Trejo tattoo work has been featured in countless films and magazines.

The Illustrated Man

The first thing most people notice on Danny Trejo is the giant tattoo on his chest and the others all over his body. He has earned the nickname of "The Illustrated Man" and is a legitimate tough guy after having spent most of the 60's in some of the toughest prisons in the California correctional system. Cursed with a horrendous childhood in one of the toughest areas in Los Angeles, there wasn't many options for the young Latino. In the end he chose to become a criminal and has admitted his faults, after serving his time has become a drug counselor.

While in the correctional system, Trejo learned how to box and even won titles while in San Quentin. While at a Cocaine Anonymous meeting he was seen by a director who later called him for support services. When Danny Trejo arrived it turned out to be the set for Runaway Train. Due to his tough appearance he was offered a job as an extra then later a jot as boxing coach. He was such a natural at that he became the featured opponent against Eric Roberts in the film. This was the beginning for Danny Trejo and you may have seen him in some notable films like:

Spy Kids
From Dusk Till Dawn
Con Air
Heat
Rob Zombie's Halloween
Grindhouse
Planet Terror
and over 160 other films!

Having worked in Hollywood since the mid-80's he has worked on at least 5 films a year, every year and has no signs of stopping and has 6 films in post-production in 2009 alone! As long as there are bad guys to be played, Danny Trejo will certainly get to play some of them. It is this work schedule that has made him arguably one of the most prolific actors in movies today.

Meanings Behind the Danny Trejo Tattoo Work

The artistry behind the Danny Trejo tattoo ink is steeped in strong meaning and emotional ties to the character actor. Many of the tattoos you see on his body were put there while in prison and are vastly gang affiliated but the most prominent one is located on his chest.

The Chest Tattoo: Placed directly over the heart and taking up the majority of his torso, his chest tattoo is seen in many of the films Danny Trejo has worked on. It features a woman wearing a sombrero. A bright red heart near the base and wrapped in wire is a fairly new addition and is meant to signify "forever" to the actor in regards to his marriage to his wife Debbie.

A couple facts about this ink:

This piece of ink has been voted most recognizable in the world by International Tattoo Magazine
It has been in 139 movies
It has been featured in 100's of magazines
This piece of ink is actually a prison tattoo
The ink began in Folsomm prison and finished in San Quentin over a 2 year period while Trejo was in solitary confinement

Name Tattoos: As many people who get ink the name tattoo is quite popular. There are two names featured on either side of the chest tattoo: Debbie and Danielle. Debbie is the name of his wife and Danielle is the name of his daughter.

Totem Animals: Those who get tattoos also have a frequency to get an animal inked on them. Danny Trejo is no different as he has a large peacock tattooed on his left forearm. The peacock as a totem animal is often a symbol of purity of heart and fidelity. On his right arm is a tattoo of the hummingbird.

The hummingbird symbolizes a few things to different cultures:

They are a meaning of peace, love and happiness to North, South and Central America
Ancient Pagans viewed the hummingbird sacred due to their boundless energy and anxiety
In Native American culture, the hummingbird symbolizes timeless joy and as the nectar of life. It is a symbol of accomplishing the near impossible, finding the joy in your life despite your circumstances

Rose Tattoo: Also present on Danny's right arm is a tattoo of a rose bush. Roses can mean many things to different people, including a memorial of some kind. The most common reason for a rose tattoo is for it to signify beauty, but the thorns add a different twist. Roses mean love to a lot of people and adding thorns usually signify that love does not come without sacrifice.