Sanchez was the son of Cruz Sanchez and Julia Sanchez, both from Durango, Mexico. The family migrated from Mexico to Los Angeles, bringing with them older brother Jose Guadalupe. After arriving in Los Angeles the family grew to include siblings Josefina, Pablo (Paul), and  Manuela Helen (Nellie).
Sanchez was born into a family of Mexican origin, with his parents Cruz Sanchez and Julia Sanchez originating from Durango. The family relocated from Mexico to Los Angeles, bringing along their older brother Jose Guadalupe. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, the family grew further with the addition of siblings Josefina, Pablo (Paul), and Manuela Helen (Nellie).