Gilbert Trejo: Danny Trejo’s Son — Career, Net Worth & Life

Who Is Gilbert Trejo?

Gilbert Brian Trejo is an American actor, director, and photographer best known as the son of Danny Trejo — one of the most recognizable character actors in Hollywood. Born on March 8, 1988, in Los Angeles County, California, Gilbert grew up surrounded by the film industry and eventually built his own creative career across multiple disciplines.

While his father’s face is practically synonymous with tough-guy roles in films like Machete (2010), Heat (1995), and Desperado (1995), Gilbert has taken a different path. He’s worked both in front of and behind the camera, directed short films, and developed a professional photography practice. He’s also connected to Trejo’s Tacos, his father’s popular Los Angeles restaurant chain.

As of 2026, Gilbert Trejo’s net worth sits at an estimated $600,000.

Early Life and Background

Gilbert Trejo was born and raised in Los Angeles County, California. Growing up as Danny Trejo’s son meant he had a front-row seat to Hollywood from childhood. His father was a constant presence on film sets throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and that exposure shaped Gilbert’s understanding of the entertainment business from an early age.

What makes the Trejo family story especially compelling is Danny’s background. Before becoming a movie star, Danny Trejo spent years in and out of prison and battled drug addiction. He got sober in 1969 and eventually broke into acting in the late 1980s. Danny has been open about his past, and that honesty has clearly influenced how Gilbert approaches his own life and work.

Growing up in L.A. gave Gilbert access to a creative community that most aspiring filmmakers can only dream about. He was around actors, directors, and crew members from a young age — an environment that naturally pushed him toward a career in entertainment.

His Famous Father: Danny Trejo

You can’t talk about Gilbert without talking about Danny Trejo. Born on May 16, 1944, in Echo Park, Los Angeles, Danny is one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors. His IMDb page lists well over 400 credits, making him one of the hardest-working actors in the business.

Danny’s breakthrough came in the late 1980s after he was spotted by a screenwriter while visiting a film set as a drug counselor. His weathered face, tattoos, and imposing presence made him a natural for villain and tough-guy roles. He went on to appear in major films including:

• Desperado (1995) — directed by Robert Rodriguez
• Heat (1995) — alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro
• Con Air (1997) — with Nicolas Cage
• Machete (2010) — his first leading role, also directed by Rodriguez
• Machete Kills (2013) — the sequel

Beyond acting, Danny launched Trejo’s Tacos in 2016, a restaurant chain in Los Angeles that’s become a local favorite. Gilbert has been involved with the business, helping bridge the family’s entertainment and entrepreneurial ventures.

Danny Trejo has multiple children, and he’s spoken publicly about the importance of family and staying connected to his kids. His relationship with Gilbert has been documented in interviews and media appearances where they’ve discussed everything from the family business to Danny’s past.

Gilbert Trejo’s Career

Acting

Gilbert made his screen debut at a young age. One of his earliest credited roles was in the 1998 film Soundman, where he appeared at just 10 years old. He went on to act in several other projects over the following years.

His most notable acting credit came in Machete (2010), the Robert Rodriguez-directed action film that starred his father Danny in the lead role. Appearing in a film alongside his dad was a full-circle moment for Gilbert, who’d watched Danny work on sets for his entire life.

Gilbert has also appeared in smaller independent films including From a Son and Skinny Dip, both of which allowed him to showcase range beyond the action genre his father is known for.

Directing

Behind the camera is where Gilbert has done some of his most distinctive work. He’s directed short films, music videos, and promotional content, earning a reputation for strong visual storytelling and stylistic choices.

One of his noted directing projects is China Test Girls, a thriller that stood out for its 1970s-inspired aesthetic and bold wardrobe choices. The film featured Danny Trejo in a supporting role and received attention for its striking visual approach.

Gilbert has also directed music videos for various artists, demonstrating his ability to match visuals with sound in ways that feel cohesive and intentional. His directing work shows a filmmaker who’s interested in atmosphere and mood — not just plot.

Photography

Gilbert’s third creative lane is photography. His portfolio covers fashion, portraiture, and travel photography. He’s collaborated with brands and publications, and his photographic eye clearly benefits from his experience as a director — he understands composition, lighting, and how to tell a story in a single frame.

His photography work can be found at his personal website, where he showcases a range of subjects from editorial fashion shoots to candid travel documentation. It’s the kind of work that proves Gilbert isn’t content to ride on his father’s name — he’s genuinely building across multiple creative fields.

Trejo’s Tacos and the Family Business

Danny Trejo launched Trejo’s Tacos in 2016 on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, and the restaurant quickly became a hit. The chain has expanded to multiple locations across L.A., serving Mexican-inspired food in a casual, family-friendly setting.

Gilbert has been involved with Trejo’s Tacos, supporting the business that’s become a significant part of the Trejo family brand. The restaurant has been featured on the Fuse series Made From Scratch, where Danny and Gilbert appeared together to discuss the family business, Danny’s prison past, and how food brought them closer together.

The restaurant empire is separate from the entertainment careers but reinforces the Trejo name in Los Angeles culture. It’s another example of how the family operates across industries — entertainment, food, and entrepreneurship.

Personal Life

Gilbert Trejo keeps most of his personal life out of the spotlight. He was previously married to actress Taylor Treadwell, known for her roles in The Mule and Shadows on the Road. The couple has since divorced, though the details around their separation remain private.

Gilbert is reported to be a father, but he’s chosen to keep information about his children away from public view. That decision to maintain privacy around his family life contrasts with the openness of his father, who regularly shares stories about his past and personal experiences in interviews.

Standing at 172 cm (5’8″), Gilbert has a notably different physical presence than his 5’6″ father, though both carry the Trejo features that fans recognize instantly.

Gilbert Trejo’s Net Worth

As of 2026, Gilbert Trejo’s estimated net worth is $600,000. His income comes from a combination of acting roles, directing projects, photography work, and his involvement with the Trejo family businesses.

While that figure is modest compared to his father Danny Trejo’s estimated net worth of around $8 million, it reflects a career that’s still growing. Gilbert earns across multiple creative disciplines, and his connections to both Hollywood and the restaurant industry give him diversified income streams.

For context, Danny Trejo’s wealth comes from decades of work across 400+ film and television credits, plus the Trejo’s Tacos restaurant chain. Gilbert is building at his own pace, and his multi-hyphenate approach — actor, director, photographer — positions him to grow that number over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Gilbert Trejo’s father?

Gilbert Trejo’s father is Danny Trejo, the legendary American actor known for roles in Machete, Heat, Desperado, and Con Air. Danny has over 400 acting credits and is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors. He also owns the Trejo’s Tacos restaurant chain in Los Angeles.

How old is Gilbert Trejo?

Gilbert Trejo was born on March 8, 1988, making him 37 years old as of 2026. His zodiac sign is Pisces.

What does Gilbert Trejo do for a living?

Gilbert works as an actor, director, and photographer. He’s appeared in films like Machete (2010) and Soundman (1998), directed short films and music videos, and maintains a professional photography practice. He’s also involved with Trejo’s Tacos, his father’s restaurant business.

What is Gilbert Trejo’s net worth?

Gilbert Trejo’s estimated net worth is $600,000 as of 2026. His income comes from acting, directing, photography, and involvement in the Trejo family businesses.

Was Gilbert Trejo in the movie Machete?

Yes, Gilbert Trejo appeared in Machete (2010), the Robert Rodriguez-directed action film that starred his father Danny Trejo in the lead role. The film was a box-office success and spawned a sequel, Machete Kills (2013).