Gary Sinise is an acclaimed American actor, director, musician, and philanthropist, born on Mar. 17, 1955, in Blue Island, Illinois. Gary has had a diverse acting career spanning several decades, with a wide range of film, television and theater roles showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.
However, his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump” catapulted Gary into the national spotlight. His portrayal of the disabled Vietnam War veteran earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and the character became one of the most memorable in modern cinema. Gary’s performance in “Forrest Gump” was not only a career highlight but also a role that would shape his future philanthropic efforts.
Following “Forrest Gump,” Gary continued taking on diverse roles in film and television. He starred in the movie “Apollo 13” and the miniseries “Truman,” for which he won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Harry S. Truman. Gary also became known for his role as Detective Mac Taylor in the TV series “CSI: NY,” which he starred in from 2004 to 2013.
Beyond his acting career, Gary is renowned for his commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. Motivated by his role in “Forrest Gump,” he founded the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011. The foundation provides a range of programs and services, including home modifications for wounded veterans, entertainment for troops and support for children of fallen soldiers. Gary’s work with veterans has earned him many accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008.
In 1981, Gary married Moira Harris, an actress he met while working in the theater scene. Together, they had three children: Sophie, McCanna, and Ella Sinise. However, the doting father of three left his acting career in 2019 to focus on his family after learning that his wife and son were diagnosed with cancer. Keep reading to learn more about Gary and his family.
Gary Sinise (2015), (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images)
Gary’s contributions to the arts and his philanthropic efforts have made him a respected and beloved figure. His passion for helping those who serve reflects the depth of his character, both on and off the screen. Gary’s legacy is not only that of a talented actor but also as a dedicated advocate for veterans and a true American patriot.
Gary is also a loving father who suffered through one of the most devastating tragedies that could ever befall a parent: the loss of a child. On Jan. 5, 2024, Gary and his family mourned the loss of his only son, McCanna Sinise, who passed away at the age of 33 after a five-year-long battle with a rare form of cancer called chordoma.
Gary paid tribute to his beloved son both on Instagram and on the Gary Sinise Foundation website, where he posted his beautiful and heartbreaking recollection of his son’s experience. He recalled that 2018 was a challenging year for his family. Not only was McCanna, whom they affectionately called “Mac,” diagnosed with the rare bone cancer that year, but Gary’s wife, Harris, was also diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. To Gary, the two diagnoses felt like a “real punch in the gut,” but after rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Harris’ cancer went into remission.
As for McCanna, chordoma proved to be a far more debilitating disease to fight. The rare form of cancer that originates in the spine affects only 300 Americans a year. McCanna underwent surgery to remove the initial tumor in September 2018, but by the following year, scans showed the cancer was still spreading.
As chordoma tumors grow, they can press on the spine, brain and nerves and cause pain and mobility issues. Thus, the cancer left McCanna paralyzed from the chest down.
