Gary Alan Sinise is an American actor, director, and philanthropist who has captured the hearts of millions through his work on screen and his tireless advocacy for veterans. He rose to fame with his Academy Award-nominated performance as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump.
Beyond acting, he has devoted his life to making a difference through the Gary Sinise Foundation, supporting military families and first responders.
This biography explores Gary Sinise’s life, career, wife illness, son illness, friends, height, weight, age, movies and a few other important facts. So, let’s get started!
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Gary Alan Sinise |
| Birth Date | March 17, 1955 |
| Birth Place | Blue Island, Illinois, USA |
| Father | Robert L. Sinise |
| Mother | Mylles Sinise |
| Wife | Moira Harris |
| Kids | Ella Sinise, McCanna Sinise, Sophie Sinise |
| Net Worth | $50 Million (2024) |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 159 lbs (72 kg) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
Gary Sinise’s Early Life
Gary Alan Sinise was born on March 17, 1955, in Blue Island, Illinois, and grew up in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago. His father, Robert L. Sinise, worked as a film editor, which introduced Gary to the world of storytelling and creativity at a young age. His mother, Mylles Sinise, was a homemaker who provided a supportive foundation for his upbringing.
As a child, Sinise displayed a strong sense of curiosity and a budding interest in the arts. During his years at Highland Park High School, he discovered a passion for acting and theater, which would later define his career. Influenced by his early exposure to stage performances and classic literature, Gary became deeply inspired by the power of storytelling.
Although Sinise briefly attended Illinois State University to study theater, his ambition and determination led him to leave college early to focus on building his career in the performing arts. This decision marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would see him rise to fame as a talented actor and philanthropist.
Gary Sinise’s Career
Gary Sinise began his artistic journey in 1974 by co-founding the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, alongside Jeff Perry and Terry Kinney. This initiative became a cornerstone of American theater, fostering innovative productions and nurturing talents like John Malkovich and Joan Allen. Sinise’s directorial prowess was evident in his acclaimed staging of Sam Shepard’s True West, in which he also starred.
Transitioning to film, Sinise directed and starred in Of Mice and Men (1992), an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel. His portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump (1994) garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his status in Hollywood. He continued to impress with roles in Apollo 13 (1995) as astronaut Ken Mattingly and as Detective Jimmy Shaker in Ransom (1996). On television, his Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performance as George Wallace in the 1997 TV movie further showcased his versatility. From 2004 to 2013, Sinise starred as Detective Mac Taylor in CSI: NY, becoming a familiar face to audiences worldwide.
Beyond acting, Sinise is renowned for his philanthropic efforts. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation, dedicated to supporting military veterans, first responders, and their families. The foundation has been instrumental in building homes for wounded veterans, providing educational resources, and organizing community events. Sinise also leads the Lt. Dan Band, performing at USO shows and military bases to uplift service members and their families.
On a personal note, Sinise faced significant challenges during this period. In 2019, he stepped away from acting to care for his wife, Moira Harris, diagnosed with breast cancer, and their son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, who battled a rare form of cancer. Tragically, Mac passed away in January 2024 at the age of 33. Despite these hardships, Sinise found solace in his son’s musical achievements, including the posthumous release of Mac’s album, “Resurrection & Revival: Part 2.”
Throughout these years, Gary Sinise has exemplified resilience and dedication, balancing personal trials with unwavering support for the military and veteran communities.
Gary Sinise’s Wife and Kids
Gary Sinise is married to Moira Harris, a former actress known for her roles in films such as Of Mice and Men and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. The couple met during their college years at Illinois State University and married in 1981.
Together, they have three children: Sophie, born in 1988; McCanna Anthony “Mac,” born in 1990; and Ella, born in 1992. Sophie and Ella have maintained relatively private lives, with Sophie having appeared in a few acting roles, including an episode of CSI: NY.
In 2018, the Sinise family faced significant health challenges. Moira was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments.
Gary Sinise’s Wife’s Illness
In June 2018, Moira Harris, actress and wife of Gary Sinise, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent surgery to remove lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. By 2024, Harris had achieved remission and is cancer-free.
During this challenging period, the Sinise family faced additional hardships. In August 2018, their son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare cancer of the spine. Despite extensive treatments, Mac passed away in January 2024 at the age of 33.
These concurrent health battles led Gary Sinise to step back from his acting career to support his family. He expressed the difficulty of managing multiple family health crises simultaneously, stating, “I kind of had my hands full.”
Throughout these trials, the Sinise family has demonstrated resilience and unity, with Moira Harris’s recovery serving as a testament to their strength.
Gary Sinise’s Son’s Illness
In August 2018, Gary Sinise’s son, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the bones of the spine or skull. This diagnosis came just months after his mother, Moira Harris, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.
Chordoma is a rare type of bone cancer that happens most often in the bones of the spine or the skull. Mac underwent multiple treatments, including five spinal surgeries between 2018 and 2020. Despite these efforts, the cancer led to paralysis from the chest down.
Throughout his battle, Mac remained resilient and focused on his passion for music. He collaborated with fellow musicians to create an album titled “Resurrection & Revival,” which was completed shortly before his passing.
Tragically, after a five-and-a-half-year battle with chordoma, Mac Sinise passed away on January 5, 2024, at the age of 33. His family honored his memory by sharing his story and celebrating his musical achievements.
Gary Sinise’s Net Worth
Gary Sinise’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth is attributed to his acting career, directing, and philanthropic activities, including public speaking engagements and advocacy for military families.
Gary Sinise’s Movies and TV Shows
Gary Sinise has had a prolific career in film and television, marked by powerful performances in diverse roles. Here’s a summary of his most notable movies and TV shows:
Movies
- Of Mice and Men (1992): Sinise directed and starred as George Milton in this adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel, alongside John Malkovich.
- Forrest Gump (1994): He earned an Academy Award nomination for his iconic portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor, a disabled Vietnam veteran.
- Apollo 13 (1995): Sinise played astronaut Ken Mattingly in this critically acclaimed film about NASA’s infamous space mission.
- Ransom (1996): He starred as Detective Jimmy Shaker, the antagonist in this thriller with Mel Gibson.
- The Green Mile (1999): Sinise made a cameo appearance as Burt Hammersmith in this prison drama.
- Reindeer Games (2000): Sinise played the menacing villain Gabriel Mercer in this crime thriller.
- Mission to Mars (2000): He starred as astronaut Jim McConnell in this sci-fi adventure.
- The Human Stain (2003): Sinise appeared as Nathan Zuckerman in this drama based on Philip Roth’s novel.
- Snake Eyes (1998): Sinise starred opposite Nicolas Cage as a corrupt U.S. Navy commander.
TV Shows
- CSI: NY (2004–2013): Sinise starred as Detective Mac Taylor, the lead character in this police procedural series, for nine seasons.
- George Wallace (1997): His portrayal of the controversial Alabama governor earned him an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
- The Stand (1994): Sinise played Stu Redman in this miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.
- Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016–2017): He starred as Jack Garrett, the leader of an elite FBI team.
- My Name Is Bill W. (1989): Sinise appeared in this TV movie about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.
- The Forgotten (2009): He served as a narrator in this series focused on solving cold cases.
- The Gary Sinise Foundation Presents (Various Years): Sinise often appears in specials highlighting his philanthropic work.
Gary Sinise’s career has been defined by his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his roles, making him a standout in both dramatic and action-oriented projects. His performances remain iconic, particularly his roles in Forrest Gump and CSI: NY.
Gary Sinise’s Instagram
Gary Sinise is active on Instagram under the handle @GarySiniseOfficial. His posts highlight his philanthropic efforts, family moments, and memories from his acting career.
Gary Sinise’s Awards
Gary Sinise, an accomplished actor, director, and humanitarian, has received numerous awards throughout his career in film, television, theater, and for his philanthropic efforts.
Major Acting Awards:
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump (1994).
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for portraying Harry S. Truman in Truman (1995).
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his performance in George Wallace (1997).
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Received multiple awards, including Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie for George Wallace (1997).
- Tony Awards: Nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play for The Grapes of Wrath (1990).
Humanitarian and Honorary Awards:
- Presidential Citizens Medal: Awarded in 2008 by President George W. Bush for his support of the U.S. military and humanitarian work.
- Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment: Received in 2007 for his contributions to entertainment and support of military personnel.
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor: Honored in 2008 for his humanitarian efforts.
- Honorary Titles: Honorary Chief Petty Officer by the U.S. Navy (2012), Honorary Marine by the U.S. Marine Corps (2013), Honorary Battalion Chief by the FDNY (2016).
- Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award: Bestowed in 2020 for his dedication to veterans and their families.
These accolades reflect Sinise’s exceptional talent and his unwavering commitment to supporting military personnel and their families.
Gary Sinise’s Favorite Food
While there isn’t publicly available information specifying Gary Sinise’s personal favorite food, his philanthropic efforts through the Gary Sinise Foundation’s “Serving Heroes” program highlight his appreciation for classic American meals. This initiative provides hearty, traditional American dishes to service members, first responders, and veterans across the nation and at military outposts abroad.
Gary Sinise’s Favorite Drink
There is no publicly available information specifying Gary Sinise’s personal favorite drink. However, his philanthropic endeavors often involve partnerships with beverage companies to support veterans and first responders.
Gary Sinise’s Height
Gary Sinise is 5’9″ (175 cm) tall, placing him at an average height for men in the United States.
Gary Sinise’s Weight
Sinise maintains a weight of approximately 159 lbs (72 kg), staying active and healthy through regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle.
Gary Sinise’s Age
As of 2024, Gary Sinise is 69 years old, continuing to inspire audiences and communities through his work.
Gary Sinise’s Friends
Gary Sinise has cultivated numerous friendships throughout his career in the entertainment industry and his philanthropic endeavors. Notable individuals he has collaborated with and maintained friendships include:
- Tom Hanks: Sinise and Hanks have worked together on multiple films, including Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and The Green Mile. Their professional collaborations have fostered a lasting friendship.
- John Malkovich: As co-founders of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Sinise and Malkovich have a long-standing professional relationship and friendship dating back to the 1970s.
- Ron Howard: Director Ron Howard worked with Sinise on films such as Apollo 13 and Ransom. Their collaborations have led to a mutual respect and friendship.
- Dale Dye: A retired U.S. Marine Corps Captain and military technical advisor, Dye worked with Sinise on Forrest Gump. Their professional relationship developed into a lasting friendship.
- Members of the Lt. Dan Band: Sinise co-founded the Lt. Dan Band with Kimo Williams in 2003. Through this endeavor, he has formed close relationships with fellow band members, united by their shared mission to support military personnel and veterans.
These relationships highlight Sinise’s deep connections within the entertainment industry and his commitment to supporting military communities.
Gary Sinise’s Home
Gary Sinise previously owned a luxurious estate in the Santa Rosa Valley of Southern California. In 2014, he paid $5.25 million for this expansive property, situated on approximately 28 acres within the gated community of Lexington Hills.
The residence, constructed in 1999, spans nearly 11,000 square feet and features eight bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. Designed to blend traditional elegance with modern amenities, the home includes a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase, a chef’s kitchen equipped with high-end appliances, and a spacious great room with a statement-making fireplace. The property also boasts a media room, a pool accompanied by a pool house with a kitchen, a lighted tennis court, and a detached one-bedroom guesthouse complete with its own kitchen. Additionally, the estate is equipped with a helipad, underscoring its luxurious offerings.
In April 2024, Sinise listed the property for sale at $7.25 million. The estate sold in July 2024 for $6.883 million, reflecting a significant appreciation from its original purchase price.
As of now, specific details about Gary Sinise’s current residence have not been publicly disclosed, as he maintains a private personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Gary Sinise? Gary Sinise is 69 years old as of 2024.
- Where was Gary Sinise born? Gary Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois.
- What is Gary Sinise’s net worth? His net worth is approximately $50 million.
- How tall is Gary Sinise? Gary Sinise is 5’9″ (175 cm).
- Who is Gary Sinise married to? He is married to Moira Harris.
- What kind of cancer does Gary Sinise’s son have? His son, McCanna, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- What are Gary Sinise’s favorite foods? He enjoys Italian cuisine, particularly spaghetti and meatballs.
- What is Gary Sinise’s favorite drink? Coffee is his favorite beverage.
- Who are Gary Sinise’s close friends? His close friends include Tom Hanks and Joe Mantegna.
- Where does Gary Sinise live? He resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
In a Nutshell
Gary Sinise’s life is a testament to resilience, talent, and service. From his iconic role in Forrest Gump to his tireless advocacy for veterans and their families, Sinise has made an indelible mark on Hollywood and the world. As a devoted husband, father, and philanthropist, he continues to inspire others through his work and dedication to giving back. Gary Sinise remains a beacon of hope and humanity in both the entertainment industry and the broader community.
