A co-founder of Chicago's Upright Citizens Brigade, Sanz was at the forefront of the city's experimental comedy theater movement. He trained with ImprovOlympic leader Del Close, an innovator who pioneered the longform improvisational sketch known as The Harold, and spent time with fellow "SNL" cast member Jerry Minor at The Second City comedy troupe in 1996. An affirmed button-pusher and line-crosser as well as excellent comedic actor, Sanz reportedly spent time in jail for a crowd-rousing performance of the UCB which culminated in the accosting of a local politico's home. by the audience.
Unlike other successful "SNL" players of late, Sanz didn't have many recurring characters to his credit but rather proved a versatile and dependable player who fit well into many sketches. From an overly enthusiastic wedding singer to an employee of a food pawn shop to an "artist" who draws thinly veiled nudie pictures on "Weekend Update", Sanz nailed every portrayal and could appeal to and surprise a junior high school boy as well as a jaded comedy pro. His lack of iconic recurring characters cut into his star status on the series somewhat, but it would also help to keep him from being pigeonholed. As he began getting more screen time on the series, his profile rose considerably, with audiences responding well to the anything-can-happen feeling that his presence evinced.
On the big screen, Sanz debuted in 1994's remake of "Miracle on 34th Street", playing a hospital orderly. A somewhat larger and certainly more memorable role as a vengeful cook in 2000's "Road Trip" would strike fear into the hearts of picky customers and make many think twice about sending back their French toast. In the same raunchy comedic vein, Sanz had his first co-starring role in 2001's "Tomcats", a raunchy romantic comedy starring Jerry O'Connell and Jake Busey.