GARY SINISE

Name, Age & Place of Birth

Gary Alan Sinise was born on March 17, 1955, in Blue Island, Illinois, just outside Chicago. That makes him 70 years old as of 2025 .

Early Career & Steppenwolf Roots

Nearly five decades ago, in 1974, a young Sinise co-founded Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre Company with friends Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry . His Broadway debut followed quickly, and he won a Regional Tony Award in 1985 for his work with the ensemble. He earned additional Tony nominations for The Grapes of Wrath and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest .

Breakthrough Film Roles

In 1992, Sinise directed and starred as George Milton in the adaptation of Of Mice and Men, earning critical praise at Cannes . The following year, he delivered an Oscar-nominated performance as Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, winning multiple supporting actor awards and forging a lifelong bond with veterans .

TV Stardom & Iconic Characters

Sinise continued his prolific screen career, starring as Harry S. Truman in Truman (1995) – a role that earned him a Golden Globe – and as George Wallace in George Wallace, winning his first Emmy . From 2004 to 2013, he led the cast of CSI: NY as Detective Mac Taylor (also serving as a producer and sometimes writer) .

He later played Special Agent Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016–17).

Music & the Lt. Dan Band

In 2003, inspired by his Forrest Gump character, Sinise launched Lt. Dan Band, a 13‑piece cover group assembled to entertain at USO shows and military events worldwide .

Founding the Gary Sinise Foundation

In 2011, driven by his role as Lt. Dan and a deep sense of duty, Sinise founded the Gary Sinise Foundation. Over a decade, the charity has raised more than $300 million, built 94 smart homes for severely wounded veterans, served over 1 million meals to servicemen and women, and provided countless community events and support programs .

He also co-produced the documentaries Brothers at War follow-up Brothers After the War—celebrating veteran resilience .

Honors & Awards

Gary’s work has earned him an Academy Award nomination, Golden Globe, Emmy, Tony, and five SAG Awards . He’s received the Presidential Citizens Medal (2008), Ellis Island Medal of Honor, honorary military titles (e.g. Navy Chief Petty Officer, Marine Corps League member), the Kennedy Center Award, and many others honoring both his artistic and humanitarian accomplishments .

Personal Life & Deep Roots

Married since 1981 to actress Moira Harris, Gary is a devoted father to three children—including son McCanna “Mac”, who sadly passed in early 2024 from chordoma cancer . A faithful Catholic since 2010, he remains deeply connected to his Illinois upbringing, avidly cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears .

Legacy & What’s Ahead

Gary Sinise’s unparalleled journey—from pioneering Chicago theater to award-winning film & television roles, from uplifting troops through music to transforming lives via his foundation—casts a long and inspiring shadow. In 2025, he continues to balance selective acting, live performances with Lt. Dan Band, philanthropic leadership, and family commitment—living out the values he brought to the screen as Lt. Dan: resilience, service, and heart.