Nike created a six-minute short film with Kobe Bryant back in 2011 called Black Mamba, and one of the stars of it was veteran actor Danny Trejo. On Tuesday, he shared a photo from the behind-the-scenes of the filming along with a heartfelt message.
“Kobe, you and Gigi will live forever. Love you and your family,” Trejo wrote.
In the film, Trejo plays a villain called The Crippler who attempts to take down the Black Mamba (played by Bryant) with his long, monster-like hands. The movie also featured other big stars, like Bruce Willis.
Fans appreciated the post.
“Awesome picture. And thank you for sharing it with all of us,” one wrote.
“Such an awesome picture Danny. One to treasure, you were lucky to know Kobe,” another added.
Trejo’s post comes a couple weeks after Bryant and his daughter Gianna were honored at a celebration of life ceremony at the Staples Center.
Many of his friends and fellow basketball stars spoke at the ceremony, but the most emotional moments came from his wife, Vanessa.
“God knew they couldn’t be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home to him together,” Vanessa said. “Babe, you take care of our Gigi. And I got Nati, Bibi and Coco. We’re still the best team. We love and miss you, Boo Boo and Gigi. May you both rest in peace and have fun in heaven until we meet again one day. We love you both and miss you. Forever and always. Mommy.”
“I couldn’t see him as a celebrity, nor as an incredible basketball player. He was my sweet husband and the beautiful father of our children. He was mine. He was my everything,” Vanessa said of Kobe. “… He would do anything for me. I have no idea how I deserved a man that loved and wanted me more than Kobe. He was charismatic, a gentleman. He was loving, adoring and romantic.”
“Gianna Bryant is an amazingly sweet and gentle soul,” Vanessa said. “She was always thoughtful. She always kissed me goodnight and kissed me good morning. There were a few occasions where I was absolutely tired from being up with Bianka and Capri and I thought she had left for school without saying goodbye. I text and say ‘No kiss?’ and Gianna would reply with, ‘Mama, I kissed you but you were asleep and I didn’t want to wake you.’
“She knew how much her morning and evening kisses meant to me. She was so thoughtful to remember to kiss me every day,” she continued. “She was Daddy’s girl but I know she loved her mama. She would always tell me and show me how much she loved me. She was one of my very best friends. She loved faith, she loved putting a smile on everyone’s faces.”
