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 the son of Cruz Sanchez and Julia Sanchez, both from Durango, Mexico. The family migrated to Los Angeles, bringing along their older brother Jose Guadalupe. After arriving in Los Angeles, the family expanded with siblings Josefina, Pablo (Paul), and Manuela Helen (Nellie).