Danny Trejo has never met a movie role he didn’t like. Since breaking into the film industry in 1985 after spending a decade in and out of prison, Trejo’s familiar chiseled-with-a-serrated-edge look has earned him screen time in over 140 movies including “Bound by Honor,” “Con Air” and just about every film directed by his second cousin Robert Rodríguez.

In “Machete,” Trejo, 66, plays the title character, a revenge-seeking, blade-wielding former Mexican federale with an ax to grind (literally). While director Rodríguez has been playing with the idea for a feature film for 16 years, the character Machete was first realized on screen during 2007’s “Grindhouse” when Rodríguez created a fake trailer for the movie.

During an interview with EXTRA, Trejo talked about starring in the first leading role of his career and why he believes God was on his side on the set.

EXTRA: This lead role must be a dream come true for you, but did landing it put some added pressure on you because you’re now the center of attention?
Danny Trejo: It’s more work! (Laughs) I had to show up everyday instead of showing up for one or two days and then leaving.

You’ve been in the industry for over 30 years. Did you always think a lead role like this was going to come sooner or later if you were patient enough?
Acting to me is like any other job. It’s like a painter or a plumber. You just keep working. It’s a job that I love. Everybody’s asking me if I’m going to take lead roles now. Hell no! Give me a job. Like a housepainter, I’ll paint whatever house you want me to paint.

You must be the hardest working housepainter in the business. Your imdb.com page lists you ...