"Machete Kills," the latest action flick to hit theaters this Friday, not only boasts edge-of-your-seat thrills but also has a star-studded cast that is sure to entertain. 

Director Robert Rodriguez enlisted some of Hollywood's biggest names for the sequel to 2010's "Machete," all of whom have rose to fame from humble beginnings. 

Danny Trejo, starring in the film as Machete, struggled with drug addiction and crime before catching his big break. After 11 years in and out of prison, Trejo entered a recovery program where he met a man in the entertainment industry and was offered a role as an extra in "Runaway Train." The film's screenplay writer served time in prison with Trejo, and remembering his boxing skills, hired the ex-criminal to train the movie's stars for a boxing scene. Trejo then caught the director's eye and scored a prominent role in the film. This catapulted Trejo to instant fame, and he has gone on to star in numerous action films as tough criminals and villains.

Sofia Vergara, best known for her role as vivacious Gloria on "Modern Family," comes in guns blazing as assassin Madame Desdemona in "Machete Kills." Raised in a devout-Catholic family in Colombia, Vergara was originally hesitant to accept offers in modeling after a photographer discovered her on the beach. With permission from her Catholic schoolteachers at 17, Vergara first appeared in a Pepsi commercial and has since created a successful career on both Spanish-language and American networks. Vergara has been the top-earning actress on US television for the past two years. 

Michelle Rodriguez reprises her original "Machete" character Luz in "Machete Kills," but tough-chick roles are far from foreign for the Jersey native. Rodriguez got her start in movies when saw a magazine ad for an open casting call and jumped on the chance to beat out 350 other girls for the starring role. Rodriguez did just that and endured five months of intense training in a boxing ring for 2000's "Girlfight." Rodriguez gained critical acclaim for her portrayal and has gone on to star in many other action-packed films like "The Fast and the Furious" (2001) and "Resident Evil" (2002). 

Charlie Sheen, possibly better known for the wild antics in his personal life rather than for his acting career, appears in "Machete Kills" as the President of the United States.  Throughout his high school career, Sheen found an interest in acting alongside pals Rob Lowe and Sean Penn. His first major role in "Red Dawn" (1984) led to his big break with Oscar-winning film "Platoon" (1986). Sheen's leading role in sitcom "Two and a Half Men" made him a household name, but his highly publicized fall from grace has given Sheen motivation to renew his acting career. 

Alexa Vega trades in her spy gear for a collection of guns for her fired-up role as Killjoy in "Machete Kills." Her character, clad in a racy sequined bra and chaps, is a far cry from the roles she originally found fame in. Vega found success in small TV roles throughout the late '90s, but became a worldwide phenomenon in her 2001 role as Carmen Cortez in "Spy Kids." This four-part franchise provided Vega a platform to break into young Hollywood almost 12 years ago and she continues to impress. 

Mel Gibson returns to the big screen in "Machete Kills" as larger-than-life villain Luther Voz, a role Gibson hasn't been too familiar with. Usually cast as action-hero type characters, Gibson found immediate success in the movie industry with his roles in the "Mad Max"(1979) and "Lethal Weapon" (1987) series. Often compared to old Hollywood's classic actors, Gibson went on to capture the hearts of movie watchers with "Braveheart" (1995) for which he won two Oscars. Gibson's struggle with alcoholism came into the limelight after his 2006 arrest for drinking under the influence and anti-Semitic slurs were caught on tape. "Machete Kills" marks Gibson's (hopefully) triumphant return to movies. 

Pop superstar Lady Gaga makes her movie debut in "Machete Kills" as ruthless assassin La Chameleón. After mentioning to the press that she wished her song "Americano'" had been featured in the first installment of the "Machete" movies, Director Robert Rodriguez wrote Gaga a role in the sequel. Donald Trump feels responsible for giving Gaga her big break when she performed for the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant, but Gaga's music has always spoken for itself--drawing in a cult-like following of "little monsters" that continues to grow. 

Bombshell Amber Heard plays a beauty queen with a dark side in "Machete Kills." After her best friend died in a car accident, Heard dropped out of high school at 17 and moved to New York to pursue a career in modeling. Heard later relocated to Los Angeles to act and has starred in independent films and short movies. Her role in "The Rum Diary" (2009) opposite Johnny Depp granted her worldwide recognition and she continues to shine as an up-and-coming actress in Holywood.

For Jessica Alba, acting has always been her passion and she was signed by an agent at just 12-years-old. Alba attributes her big break to a role she was given by chance as the leading actress in "Camp Nowhere" (1994), when the original lead dropped out last minute and Alba was asked to fill her role. She has since made her mark in a variety of movies such as "Honey" (2003) and "Fantastic Four" (2005), starring in comedy, horror, drama and action flicks. Alba's sultry image has also garnered her recogntion as "Sexiest Woman in the World" in 2007, and she appeared on Maxim's "Hot 100" in 2006. 

Check out the trailer for "Machete Kills:"

Reach Staff Reporter McKenna Aiello here. Follow her on Twitter here.