Jose Sanchez is of Mexican and Puerto Rican decent and was born in Chicago, Illinois. He began taking guitar lessons at age 10 at The International School of Music then music theory at J. Sterling Morton East High School in his hometown of Cicero, Illinois. In 1998, he earned his first of two first-place state championships for the annual Illinois Music Association competition. He won his second in 1999. Blue Man Group casting director Tascha van Auken invited him to audition for the Blue Man Group band in October 2007 at Chicago's Briar Street Theater. The band members, which accompany the Blue Man Group, wear brightly colored paint during performances in a caged platform above the stage. In 2009, he became interested in acting and made his debut in 2011 after attending classes at Second City. He resides in Chicago.
His mother is Puerto Rican and his father is Mexican. Has one brother.
Was cast as a last-minute replacement for the role of Cesar in "Closer" before shooting began.
Graduated from J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, Illinois in 2002 where Joe Mantegna also attended.
Played in several local metal bands until attending the Second City for acting in 2011.
Attended the International School of Music from 1994 to 2000 for music training.
Won two championships for the Illinois Music Association (IMA) in guitar soloing in 1998 and in 1999.
Was cast as a background actor dressed as a 1970s Smallville character (mechanic) for Man of Steel in Plano, Illinois but scene was cut.
Made second audition for the Blue Man Group band guitarist at the Briar Street Theater in Chicago, Illinois.
Holds two degrees from Ashford University (Clinton, IA) in Psychology and Human Resources Management. Notable alumnus of AU: Harlem Globetrotter Kevin Special K Daley.
Is a non-smoker and has never smoked.
Owns over 25 guitars.
Originally volunteered as a mental health counselor and therapist for adult patients at a local hospital in Chicago, Illinois, then was hired as a full time counselor.
Favorite movie that he watches over and over again is Grandmas Boy .
His wife Kat Wisniewski is a published jewelry artist known for her work in chainmail using glass. For Valentines Day, she made him a chainmail guitar strap in which she spent several months making.
Earned recognition for academic excellence in graduate school (master in psychology) from three national honor societies in 2017.
