Gary Sinise is an American actor, director, producer, and musician, born on March 17, 1955, in Blue Island, Illinois. He gained prominence for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Sinise is also known for his portrayal of Detective Mac Taylor in the television series “CSI: NY” (2004–2013).
Beyond acting, Sinise has been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting U.S. veterans. He founded the Gary Sinise Foundation, which provides various services to veterans, including building specially adapted smart homes for wounded heroes. In collaboration with LP Building Solutions, the foundation recently presented a mortgage-free custom home to retired U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Hargis, a decorated Army Ranger who lost both legs during his service.
Sinise continues to advocate for veterans through various initiatives. He produced the documentary “Brothers After War,” directed by Jake Rademacher, which follows veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan as they transition to civilian life, addressing challenges like mental health and finding purpose after service. The film has received accolades, including Best Military Film and Best Documentary at the San Diego Film Festival.
In recent years, Sinise has faced personal challenges. In 2021, he stepped away from acting to care for his wife, Moira Harris, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, and his son, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, who battled a rare bone cancer called chordoma and tragically passed away at 33. Despite these hardships, Harris is now in remission.
Sinise’s contributions to both the arts and veteran communities have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. In 2017, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, acknowledging his impact in entertainment and philanthropy.