In Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adventure film The Goonies, the smart-mouthed tech-savvy kid known as Data has the real first name Kevin and the last name Trujillo. His full credited name is Kevin Daniel Trujello, sometimes cited without the second “l.” The character is the group’s gadget expert, responsible for iconic inventions like the outlaw skee ball machine and the lighthouse-fogging smoke device. Below, we clarify the casting details, explain common conflations with other cast members, and outline Data’s role in the film’s treasure hunt.
Actor and Credit Details
Kevin Daniel Trujillo played Data, and his name appears in on-screen credits and cast listings as such. On IMDb and comparable industry databases, the entry reads Kevin Daniel Trujillo, reflecting the formal billing used at the time of release. In public appearances and interviews related to The Goonies reunion, Trujillo has discussed the long-term impact of playing the inventive, fast-talking member of the Walsh family-led crew.
Common Name Confusions
Because the character’s nickname is Data, some viewers assume it represents a nickname or alias rather than a shorthand for his given name. Others conflate the role with other child actors from the same era, leading to incorrect first-name guesses such as Tommy or generic attributions to ensemble kids. The character’s distinctive speech patterns and eccentric inventions can also muddle recall of the specific credited name. When verifying the information, it is best to rely on official cast records and the actor’s own confirmations.
On-Screen Role and Function
Data functions as the crew’s inventor and problem solver, creating gadgets that help the Goonies bypass obstacles in the pirates’ underground labyrinth. His inventions drive several key sequences, from the clever to the wildly impractical, underscoring the group’s reliance on creativity and improvisation. Despite the risks the children face, Data’s humor and technical ingenuity provide a consistent counterbalance to the tension of the chase.
Signature Gadgets and Scenes
- Skee-Ball Outlaw Machine – Data’s arcade-style game rigged to distract and entertain during the Fratellis’ occupation of the house.
- Fog Machine – Emits thick smoke to obscure vision and slow pursuers in the lighthouse sequence.
- Periscope – A makeshift viewing device used to scout corridors without exposing the group.
Production Context and Behind-the-Scenes Notes
Trujillo’s portrayal balanced physical comedy with moments of earnest technical focus, requiring precise timing for the gadget-based gags. The effects team worked closely with the actors to ensure each device looked plausible within the film’s adventurous constraints. Behind the camera, storyboarding and rehearsals ensured that Data’s inventions advanced the plot rather than distracting from it.
Notable Production Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Kevin Daniel Trujillo | On-screen credit, IMDb |
| Character Name | Data (nickname used as onscreen identifier) | Film credits, screenplay |
| Inventions Highlighted | Skee-Ball machine, fog device, periscope | Film scenes, production notes |
Character Legacy and Fan Reception
Data remains a fan favorite for his quick thinking and comic relief, often cited in retrospectives about The Goonies as the heart of the group’s technical capabilities. Memes and clips highlighting his one-liners and gadget fails continue to circulate online, demonstrating the durability of the character beyond the original theatrical run. His role is frequently referenced in articles and videos discussing the film’s inventive problem-solving sequences.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- The character Data is played by Kevin Daniel Trujillo.
- Data is the group’s primary inventor, responsible for many of the film’s memorable set pieces.
- Confusion often arises because Data is primarily known by his nickname rather than his full given name.
- Official cast listings and interviews confirm the correct spelling and form of the actor’s name.