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
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
Spouse(s)	Moira Harris ​ (m. 1981)​
Children	3

Gary Alan Sinise (born March 17, 1955) is an American actor, director, producer, and musician. He is known for his many roles in movies and TV shows. Gary Sinise 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 his acting, Sinise is well-known for his amazing work helping others. He supports many groups that help military veterans and their families. He even started a band called the Lt. Dan Band, named after his character in the movie Forrest Gump. This band plays concerts for soldiers and their families all over the world.

Early life

Gary Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois. His father, Robert L. Sinise, was a film editor. Gary went to high school in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and later in Highland Park, Illinois.

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

Career highlights

Sinise on the set of Forrest Gump, in 1993

In 1974, Gary Sinise and two friends, Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry, started the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. This theater company became very famous. Many talented actors have worked there. Sinise improved his acting and directing skills at Steppenwolf.

His career really took off in 1982. He directed and starred in a play called True West. For his directing, he won an Obie Award.

Movies and famous roles

In 1992, Sinise starred in and directed the movie Of Mice and Men. He played the character George Milton.

A very famous role for Sinise was Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the movie Forrest Gump (1994). For this role, he was nominated for an Academy Award. He also worked with actor Tom Hanks in other popular movies like Apollo 13 (1995) and The Green Mile (1999).

Other movies he appeared in include Ransom (1996), Snake Eyes (1998), and Impostor (2002).

Television work

On television, Gary Sinise played real-life people in several TV films. He played Harry S. Truman in Truman (1995), winning a Golden Globe Award. He also played George Wallace in George Wallace (1997), for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award.

From 2004 to 2013, Sinise was the main star of the crime drama CSI: NY. He played Detective Mac Taylor. In some episodes, he even showed his musical talent by playing the bass guitar. This was a nod to his real-life band, the Lt. Dan Band.

Later, from 2016 to 2017, he played Special Agent Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

Other projects

Gary Sinise has also narrated many documentaries. These include When We Left Earth (2008) for the Discovery Channel and World War II in HD (2009) for the History Channel. He also narrated the audiobook for John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley.

In 2017, Gary Sinise received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his television work. He was also chosen as the Grand Marshal for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in 2018.

Filmography

Film

Television

Theater

Video games

Helping others

Gary Sinise is very dedicated to helping others, especially military members and their families.

He helped start an organization called Operation Iraqi Children. He believed it was important to show the positive things soldiers were doing, like rebuilding schools. For his work, he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President George W. Bush.

Supporting veterans

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

Sinise strongly supports many groups that help veterans. He often performs with his Lt. Dan Band on USO tours. They play at military bases around the world. Since 2003, he has visited many military bases and hospitals.

He is also on the Advisory Council for Hope For The Warriors. This group helps service members who have been injured and their families.

In 2012, Gary Sinise was made an honorary U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. In 2013, he was named an honorary Marine. He also co-hosts the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C., every year.

The Gary Sinise Foundation

In 2011, Gary Sinise started the Gary Sinise Foundation. This foundation helps military veterans, first responders, and their families. They raise millions of dollars each year. The foundation builds special "smart homes" for disabled veterans.

He has received many awards for his humanitarian work. These include the Sylvanus Thayer Award from the U.S. Military Academy. In 2020, he received the Humanitarian award from the Location Managers Guild.

Personal life

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

Gary Sinise married actress Moira Harris in 1981. They have three children. His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, but she is now cancer-free.

His son, McCanna "Mac" Anthony Sinise, passed away in January 2024 after a long illness. Mac was a musician and worked for his father's charity foundation. Before he passed, he finished an album called Resurrection & Revival.

Gary Sinise became a Catholic in 2010. His wife, Moira, converted in 2000.

He has received honorary degrees from Amherst College and California State University, Stanislaus. Gary Sinise is a big fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears sports teams.

Politics

Gary Sinise has supported the Republican Party throughout his life. In 2005, he started a group called Friends of Abe. This group was for people in Hollywood who shared similar political views.

He has spoken at events for political figures, like the centennial celebration for Ronald Reagan. In 2012, he donated to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

His political views have sometimes been included in his acting roles. For example, his character Mac Taylor on CSI: NY had a picture of Ronald Reagan in his office.

Even though he is a Republican, Sinise chose not to support Donald Trump in the 2016 election. He also spoke out when Trump questioned a war hero's service.

Awards and honors

Gary Sinise has received many awards for his acting and for his work helping veterans and their families.