Gary Sinise facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gary Sinise
Sinise in 2011
Born	Gary Alan Sinise (1955-03-17) March 17, 1955 (age 70) Blue Island, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Actor director producer musician humanitarian
Years active	1973 (1973)–present
Notable work	George Milton in Of Mice and Men Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump Ken Mattingly in Apollo 13 Harry S. Truman in Truman Cmdr. Kevin Dunne in Snake Eyes Jimmy Shaker in Ransom Det. Mac Taylor on CSI: NY Agent Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders Shaw in Open Season
Spouse(s)	Moira Harris ​ (m. 1981)​
Children	3
Awards	Full list

Gary Alan Sinise (born March 17, 1955) is an American actor, director, producer, musician, and humanitarian. He is known for his many roles in movies and TV shows. He has won several important awards, including an Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. He also has a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Beyond acting, Gary Sinise is well-known for his amazing work helping others. He started the Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports military members, veterans, and their families. He also formed the Lt. Dan Band, named after his character in the movie Forrest Gump. This band travels around the world to play music for U.S. military troops.

Early Life and Education

Gary Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois. His father was a film editor. Gary went to Glenbard West High School and later graduated from Highland Park High School.

He also attended Illinois State University. He has always been a strong supporter of his university.

Acting Career Highlights

Sinise on the set of Forrest Gump in 1993, playing Lieutenant Dan Taylor.

In 1974, Gary Sinise and two friends, Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry, started the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. This theater became a place where many talented actors developed their skills. Sinise himself improved his acting and directing abilities there.

Early Stage and Film Work

Sinise's career really began to grow in 1982. He directed and starred in a play called True West at the Steppenwolf Theatre. He won an award for his directing. In 1985, he received a special Regional Theatre Tony Award with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He was also nominated for Tony Awards for his acting in plays like The Grapes of Wrath (1988) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (2001).

In 1992, Sinise starred in and directed the movie Of Mice and Men, based on a famous book. He played the character George Milton.

Famous Movie Roles

Gary Sinise is widely recognized for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 movie Forrest Gump. For this role, he was nominated for an Academy Award. He also appeared in other popular movies like Ron Howard's Apollo 13 (1995), Ransom (1996), and The Green Mile (1999).

He has worked with fellow actor Tom Hanks three times, in Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and The Green Mile.

Television Success

On television, Sinise played Harry S. Truman in the 1995 TV movie Truman, winning a Golden Globe Award. He also played George Wallace in the 1997 TV movie George Wallace, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award.

Many people know Gary Sinise from his main role as Detective Mac Taylor in the long-running TV series CSI: NY (2004–2013). He also played Special Agent Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016–2017).

In 2017, Gary Sinise received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in television.

Humanitarian Work and Support for Veterans

Sinise playing bass guitar in the Lt. Dan Band in 2024.

Sinise with President George W. Bush after receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008.

Gary Sinise is very dedicated to helping others, especially military members and veterans. He co-founded Operation Iraqi Children, which helped children in Iraq. For his support of the U.S. military and humanitarian efforts, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush.

He is a strong supporter of many organizations that help veterans. He often performs with his Lt. Dan Band on USO tours at military bases all over the world. Since 2003, he has visited many military bases and hospitals to show his support.

In 2012, Sinise was made an honorary U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer for his work helping veterans. In 2013, he was named an honorary Marine by the Marine Corps. He also co-hosts the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C..

His Gary Sinise Foundation raises millions of dollars each year to help military veterans. This includes building special "smart homes" for those who have been injured. In 2015, he received the Sylvanus Thayer Award from the West Point Association of Graduates, which honors people whose service reflects the ideals of the U.S. Military Academy.

In 2020, he received the Humanitarian award from the Location Managers Guild for his foundation's work. In 2021, he hosted the opening ceremony for the World War I memorial in Washington, D.C.

Personal Life

Gary Sinise married actress Moira Harris in 1981. They have three children. His son, Mac, who was also a musician, passed away in January 2024 after battling a rare form of cancer. Mac had worked for his father's charitable foundation and completed an album before his passing.

Gary Sinise became a Catholic in 2010, following his wife, who had re-converted in 2000. He is a big fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team and the Chicago Bears football team.

Politics

Gary Sinise has supported the Republican Party throughout his life. In 2004, he founded Friends of Abe, a group for conservative members of Hollywood. He has spoken at events for former President Ronald Reagan.

While he has supported Republicans, he chose not to endorse or vote for Donald Trump in the 2016 or 2024 presidential elections. He also criticized Trump for questioning Senator John McCain's status as a war hero.

Awards and Honors

Gary Sinise has received many awards for his acting and his humanitarian work. Some of these include:

• 2007 – The Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment
• 2008 – The Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush
• 2008 – Ellis Island Medal of Honor
• 2012 – Honorary Chief Petty Officer from the United States Navy
• 2013 – Honorary Marine by the United States Marine Corps
• 2015 – Sylvanus Thayer Award from the West Point
• 2017 – A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• 2018 – Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade
• 2020 – The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award

Filmography

Film

Television

Theater

Video games

See also

In Spanish: Gary Sinise para niños