Despite the fact that currently the name of Daniel Sancho is the one that is resonating the most in the media due to its relationship with the murder of Edwin Arrieta, the last name Sancho comes from a long lineage of Spanish actors. In fact, one of the best-known names is that of his grandfather, Sancho Gracia.
He was a versatile actor, with an extensive professional career both in the world of cinema and in the theater. Although with each of his characters he made him better known, he will always be known as ‘Curro Jiménez’. In fact, thanks to that character, he won the Gold TP for Best National Actor in 1977 and an Ondas Award in 1978. Although he was not only especially recognized nationally, the New York Critics Association awarded him in February 2003 for his participation in the film The Crime of Father Amaro.
Although his name is now more than well known, it was not always like that. The beginnings of him were difficult, but not like for anyone. He was born at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War and, at only 11 years old, he had to go into exile with his family in Uruguay due to the situation in Spain.
At the age of 27, he returned to his native country, a change that was more difficult for him to assimilate than when he left. In fact, he confessed on the ‘La Región’ portal that integration into Spain in 1963 was “a little more difficult” because, when he returned, “logically he had not experienced the vicissitudes that had been experienced in Spain and I think that is why it was harder to fit in.”
Despite being born in Spain, “Uruguay is a country that I love very much and with which I still have very good ties,” according to what he told the same portal. In fact, in the South American country he not only found his passion for acting, but he also met his wife Noela Aguirre.
Despite Sancho Gracia’s professional achievements, his family has always been the most important thing to him, especially his wife and three children: Rodrigo, Rodolfo, father of Daniel Sancho for whom the Thai police are currently asking for the death penalty, and for last Felix.
The actor confessed in several interviews that his family, and especially his wife, were always his support network. In fact, in an interview for the EFE agency, the actor went so far as to say that “I have been saved thanks to her (Noela), she has been essential for my recovery.”
Beyond the long days on the sets and the complex characters he has had to embody, he was committed to the well-being of his family. And, although his children grew up between filming, he was not something he wanted for them, especially because of the instability that he knew the world of cinema offered.
The only one who has followed in the footsteps of Sancho Gracia was Rodolfo who, after finishing his COU studies, began to train as an interpreter and has been practicing until today. In addition, he was the one who made Sancho Gracia a grandfather when, at the age of 19, he had Daniel Sancho with the actress Silvia Bronchalo.
Beyond the cinema and friendships in large spheres, Sancho Gracia is especially remembered for his love for his family and his personal triumphs. The interpreter died in 2012 due to lung cancer, against which he battled for several years in which he was able to be accompanied by his entire family.
