Gary Sinise
{{short description|American actor (born 1955)}}
{{BLP sources|date=November 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Gary Sinise
| image = Gary Sinise 2011 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Sinise in 2011
| birth_name = Gary Alan Sinise
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|3|17}}
| birth_place = Blue Island, Illinois, U.S.
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|director|producer|musician|humanitarian}}
| notable_works = {{hlist|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}}
| years_active = {{start date|1973}}–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Moira Harris|1981}}
| children = 3
| awards = Full list
}}
Gary Alan Sinise ({{IPAc-en|s|ɪ|ˈ|n|iː|s}}; born March 17, 1955) is an American actor, director, producer, musician and humanitarian. Among other awards, he has won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. He has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,{{cite news |title=Gary Sinise Awarded Walk of Fame Star For footballer Acting, Pro-Military Activism |url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/04/17/gary-sinise-hollywood-walk-fame-star-award-military-forrest-gump-csi-new-york |publisher=Fox News |date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=April 18, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418024546/http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/04/17/gary-sinise-hollywood-walk-fame-star-award-military-forrest-gump-csi-new-york |url-status=live }} and he has been nominated for an Academy Award.Eller, Claudia; King, Susan. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-15-ca-32293-story.html "The 67th Academy Award Nominations: Bubba Gump Oscar Co."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009223945/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-15-ca-32293-story.html |date=October 9, 2019 }} Los Angeles Times, February 15, 1995 Sinise has also received numerous awards and honors for his extensive humanitarian work and involvement with charitable organizations, notably the Gary Sinise Foundation, of which he is the founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also founded the Lt. Dan Band (named after his character in Forrest Gump), which plays at U.S. military bases around the world.
Sinise's acting career started on stage with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 1983, when he directed and starred in a production of Sam Shepard's True West for which he earned an Obie Award. In 1985, he earned the Regional Theatre Tony Award alongside the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He also received Tony Award nominations for his performances in The Grapes of Wrath (1988) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (2001).
Sinise starred as George Milton in the 1992 film adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men. He also directed and produced the film. Sinise received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump (1994). He also appeared in Ron Howard's Apollo 13 (1995), Ransom (1996), Frank Darabont's The Green Mile (1999), and Impostor (2002).
On television, Sinise is known for portraying Harry S. Truman in Truman (1995), a portrayal that won him a Golden Globe Award; and for playing the title role in George Wallace, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award. Sinise is widely known for his leading role as Detective Mac Taylor in the long-running CBS series CSI: NY (2004–13). He also played Special Agent Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016–17).
Early life
Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, the son of Robert L. Sinise (born 1931),{{cite web|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/garysinise/status/1394396482376241161|title=My Father, Robert Lee Sinise, turned 90 years old today.|website=Mobile.twitter.com|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204030809/https://mobile.twitter.com/garysinise/status/1394396482376241161|url-status=live}} a film editor, and Mylles (Alsip) Sinise.{{cite news |author=John O'Mahony |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2000/jul/15/books.guardianreview3 |title=The guts and the glory |work=The Guardian |date=July 15, 2000 |access-date=November 7, 2010 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111182001/http://www.theguardian.com/books/2000/jul/15/books.guardianreview3 |url-status=live }}{{cite book|title=The Film daily year book of motion pictures, Volume 47|publisher=J. W. Alicoate|year=1965|page=324}} His paternal grandfather was of Italian descent. Sinise's great-grandfather, Vito Sinisi, emigrated to the United States from Ripacandida, in the Italian region of Basilicata.{{cite web |author=Byrne, Bridget |url=http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070207/LIFE/702070308&cid=sitesearch |title=SouthCoastToday.com – Living – This 'CSI' has a New York state of mind – February 7, 2007 |publisher=Archive.southcoasttoday.com |date=February 7, 2007 |access-date=November 7, 2010 |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113062922/http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070207/LIFE/702070308&cid=sitesearch |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |author=Petrelli, Gianni |url=http://www.sandonatoripacandida.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=82 |title=Un attore ripacandidese |trans-title=An actor from Ripacandida |date=December 22, 2005 |access-date=December 25, 2015 |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814175042/http://www.sandonatoripacandida.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=82 |url-status=live }} Sinise briefly attended Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and later graduated from Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Illinois.2014 Alumni Directory
He attended Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, and has been a supportive alumnus of the university.
Career
File:GarySiniseDanTaylorForrestGump94.jpg, in 1993]]
In 1974, Sinise and two friends, Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry, founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.{{cite web |url=http://www.steppenwolf.org/ensemble/members/details.aspx?id=36 |title=Gary Sinise: Ensemble Member Bio |access-date=January 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215140632/http://www.steppenwolf.org/ensemble/members/details.aspx?id=36 |archive-date=December 15, 2007 }} Since then, Steppenwolf has showcased the talents of notable actors such as Joan Allen, Kevin Anderson, Gary Cole, Ethan Hawke, Glenne Headly, John Malkovich, John Mahoney, Laurie Metcalf, Martha Plimpton, Jim True-Frost, and William Petersen. Sinise honed his acting and directing skills at Steppenwolf.
In 1982, Sinise's career began to take off when he directed and starred in Steppenwolf's production of True West. In 1983, he earned an Obie Award for his direction, and a year later appeared with John Malkovich in the PBS' American Playhouse production of the play. Sinise received a Joseph Jefferson Award for his direction of Lyle Kessler's play Orphans in 1985. In 1988, Sinise directed Miles from Home, a film starring Richard Gere, about two brothers' fight against the foreclosure of the family farm.
Sinise earned the Regional Theatre Tony Award alongside the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 1985. He has received a total of four Tony Award nominations, including nominations for his performances in The Grapes of Wrath (1988) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (2001).
In 1992, Sinise starred in the film adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel Of Mice and Men, which he also directed and produced. Sinise played George Milton alongside John Malkovich, who played Lennie. Subsequent roles include Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump (1994), for which Sinise was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has also appeared in Ron Howard's Apollo 13 (1995), Ransom (1996), Snake Eyes (1998), Frank Darabont's The Green Mile (1999), Reindeer Games (2000), Mission to Mars (2000), and Impostor (2002).
Sinise has collaborated with fellow actor Tom Hanks three times, in Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and The Green Mile. He narrated the audiobooks for John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley.
Sinise also portrayed real-life characters in several television films. He portrayed Harry S. Truman in Truman (1995), a portrayal that won him a Golden Globe Award; and he played George Wallace in George Wallace (1997), for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award. Sinise reprised his role as Wallace in the television film Path to War (2002), about the Johnson administration's entry into the Vietnam War.{{cite news |last1=Levesque |first1=John |title=LBJ's vile realities pave HBO's 'Path to War' |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/ae/tv/article/LBJ-s-vile-realities-pave-HBO-s-https://www.seattlepi.com/ae/tv/article/LBJ-s-vile-realities-pave-HBO-s-Path-to-War-1087500.phpPath-to-War-1087500.php |access-date=December 6, 2020 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=May 19, 2002}}
In late 2002, Sinise began appearing in Cadillac commercials, starting with the 2002–2003 Season's Best commercial. He was with the Break Through campaign from 2002 to 2006.
In 2004, Sinise began his first regular television series, in the crime drama CSI: NY, in which he plays Detective Mac Taylor. He was credited as a producer from season two onwards and wrote the storyline of an episode. Several episodes have allowed Sinise to demonstrate his musical prowess, including a season-two episode where Mac Taylor plays the bass guitar in a jazz club with musicians Kimo and Carol Williams and Danny Gottlieb, members of the Lt. Dan Band, which Sinise and Kimo Williams co-founded in 2003. The band is named for Sinise's character in Forrest Gump. The series ended in 2013.
Apart from his television and film work, Sinise has served as the host in the video for the Epcot ride Mission: SPACE at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, and as a model for Baume & Mercier watches.{{cite web |url=http://www.universe-of-luxury.com/baume-mercier/publicites/gary_sinise.html |title=Baume & Mercier and Gary Sinise |access-date=January 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203210608/http://www.universe-of-luxury.com/baume-mercier/publicites/gary_sinise.html |archive-date=December 3, 2007 }}
Sinise was the narrator for the Discovery Channel's miniseries When We Left Earth in 2008. Sinise is the executive producer—along with David Scantling—of the Iraq War documentary Brothers at War.{{cite web |url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/03/11/Sinise-produces-pro-military-documentary/UPI-58221236745586/ |title=Sinise produces pro-military documentary |publisher=Upi.com |date=March 11, 2009 |access-date=December 17, 2009 |archive-date=June 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623070715/http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/03/11/Sinise-produces-pro-military-documentary/UPI-58221236745586/ |url-status=live }} The film features an American military family and the experiences of three brothers: Jake Rademacher, Isaac Rademacher, and Joseph Rademacher.{{cite web |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/entertainment/movies/military_movie_brothersmovie_022709/ |title=Film review: 'Brothers at War' – Military Movies |publisher=Military Times |access-date=December 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316023831/http://www.militarytimes.com/entertainment/movies/military_movie_brothersmovie_022709/ |archive-date=March 16, 2009 }}
In November 2009, Sinise narrated the highly acclaimed World War II in HD on the History Channel. Also in 2009, Sinise lent his voice talents in the Thomas Nelson audio Bible production known as The Word of Promise, playing the character of David.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-16-me-beliefs16-story.html|title=BELIEFS : Stars lined up for elaborate audio Bible : Michael York, Jason Alexander and many others gave voice to a 79-CD reading of Old and New Testaments|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Martha|last=Groves|date=November 16, 2009|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=March 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321143000/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/16/local/me-beliefs16|url-status=live}} In 2010, he narrated the World War II documentary Missions That Changed the War on the Military Channel. In 2014, he narrated a Smithsonian Institution exhibit in the film Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
From 2016 to 2017, Sinise played Special Agent Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.
On April 17, 2017, Sinise received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in the television industry. The star is located at 6664 Hollywood Boulevard.{{cite web|url=http://www.walkoffame.com/gary-sinise|title=Gary Sinise {{!}} Hollywood Walk of Fame|website=www.walkoffame.com|language=en-US|access-date=April 24, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425034635/http://www.walkoffame.com/gary-sinise|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Gary-Sinise-Getting-Star-for-TV-Work-419586123.html|title=Gary Sinise Gets Star for TV Work|publisher=NBC Southern California|access-date=April 24, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425030848/http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Gary-Sinise-Getting-Star-for-TV-Work-419586123.html|url-status=live}}
On October 30, 2017, Sinise was selected as Grand Marshal of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, which took place on January 1, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://tournamentofroses.com/actor-and-humanitarian-gary-sinise-selected-as-2018-tournament-of-roses-grand-marshal/|title=Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise Selected as 2018 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal|date=October 30, 2017|access-date=March 1, 2019|archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024901/https://tournamentofroses.com/actor-and-humanitarian-gary-sinise-selected-as-2018-tournament-of-roses-grand-marshal/|url-status=live}}
Sinise has been a regular celebrity narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional, appearing at Disneyland in 2011 and at Disney World in 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2019.[https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2019/12/09/disney-world-replaces-candlelight-processional-narrators MyNews13.Com Sinise Narrator Disney World] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818094710/https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2019/12/09/disney-world-replaces-candlelight-processional-narrators |date=August 18, 2023 }} accessed 08-18-2023
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| 1978
| Extra | Uncredited{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} |
| 1988
| style="text-align:center;"| {{sort|ZZZ|N/A}} | Director |
| rowspan="3" | 1992
| Also director and producer |
| {{sortname|A|Midnight Clear}}
| Vance "Mother" Wilkins | |
| {{sortname|The|Witness|The Witness (1992 film)}}
| Young Soldier | Short film |
| 1993
| Norman Strick | |
| 1994
| Lieutenant Dan Taylor | |
| rowspan="2" | 1995
| |
| {{sortname|The|Quick and the Dead|dab=1995 film}}
| Marshal McKenzie | |
| rowspan="2" | 1996
| Ransom | Detective Jimmy Shaker | |
| Albino Alligator
| Milo | |
| 1998
| Commander Kevin Dunne | |
| rowspan="2" | 1999
| {{sortname|The|Green Mile|dab=film}} | Burt Hammersmith | |
| It's the Rage
| Morgan | |
| rowspan="3" | 2000
| Bruno | Dino Battaglia | |
| Mission to Mars
| Jim McConnell | |
| Reindeer Games
| Gabriel Mercer | |
| rowspan="3" | 2002
| Impostor | Spencer Olham | Also producer |
| A Gentleman's Game
| Foster Pearse | |
| Made-Up
| Duncan Tivey | |
| rowspan="2" | 2003
| {{sortname|The|Human Stain|dab=film}} | Nathan Zuckerman | |
| Mission: SPACE
| Capcom | Short film |
| rowspan="2" | 2004
| {{sortname|The|Forgotten|dab=2004 film}} | Dr. Jack Munce | |
| {{sortname|The|Big Bounce|dab=2004 film}}
| Ray Ritchie | |
| 2005
| Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D | rowspan="2" | Voice role |
| 2006
| Shaw |
| rowspan="2" | 2011
| None Less Than Heroes: The Honor Flight Story | Narrator | rowspan="2" | Documentary |
| Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good
| Himself |
| 2014
| Captain America: The Winter Soldier | Smithsonian Narrator | rowspan="2" | Voice role |
| 2016
| Beyond Glory | Military Voice |
| 2019
| Larry | |
| rowspan="2" | 2020
| Tom Camp | |
| Joe Bell
| Sheriff Westin | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| 1980
| Lee Maddox | Episode: "Small Surprises" |
| rowspan="2" | 1984
| Motorcyclist | Television film |
| True West
| Austin | American Playhouse broadcast of play |
| 1986-87
| Howie Dressler | 2 episodes |
| rowspan="3" | 1989
| {{sortname|The|Final Days|dab=1989 film}} | Richard Ben-Veniste | Television film |
| Hunter
| Lord Rutherford | Episode: "Lullabye" |
| My Name Is Bill W.
| Ebby | Hallmark Hall of Fame television film |
| 1991
| {{sortname|The|Grapes of Wrath|dab=play}} | Tom Joad | American Playhouse broadcast of play |
| 1994
| {{sortname|The|Stand|dab=1994 miniseries}} | Stu Redman | Miniseries; 4 episodes |
| rowspan="2" | 1995
| Truman | Television film |
| Frasier
| Sid | Episode: "The Club"; voice only |
| 1997
| rowspan="2" | Television film |
| 1999
| Tom Daley |
| 2002
| George Wallace | Television film, uncredited{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} |
| 2003
| Terry McQuinn | Television film |
| 2004–05
| Episodes: "MIA/NYC NonStop", "Felony Flight" |
| 2004–13
| CSI: NY | Detective Mac Taylor | Lead role; 197 episodes |
| 2008
| Narrator | Documentary miniseries; 6 episodes |
| 2009
| Narrator | Documentary miniseries; 10 episodes |
| 2010–12
| Missions That Changed the War | Narrator | 14 episodes |
| 2013
| CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Detective Mac Taylor | Episode: "In Vino Veritas" |
| 2015
| Episode: "Beyond Borders" |
| 2016–17
| Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders | Agent Jack Garrett | Lead role, also producer |
| 2020
| Dr. Robert Ellman | Lead role (Season 4); 10 episodes. |
=Theater=
| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | True West | Austin | Cherry Lane Theatre, Broadway |
| 1984 | Balm in Gilead | Dopey | Circle Reporatory Theatre |
| 1985 | rowspan=2|The Caretaker | rowspan=2|Mick | Steppenwolf Theatre Company |
| 1986 | Circle in the Square Theatre | ||
| 1990 | The Grapes of Wrath | Tom Joad | Cort Theatre, Broadway |
| 1997 | A Streetcar Named Desire | Stanley Kowalski | rowspan=2|Steppenwolf Theatre Company |
| 2000 | rowspan=2|One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest | rowspan=2|Randle McMurphy | |
| 2001 | Royale Theatre, Broadway |
=Video games=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| 2008
| CSI: NY |Detective Mac Taylor |Voice role |
Humanitarian work
Sinise co-founded Operation Iraqi Children. Sinise said, "Iraq is in the news every day, and most of it is bad. But there are some positive stories. And how our soldiers are rebuilding schools and helping kids is one of them."{{cite news | title = In Step With: Gary Sinise | publisher = Parade Magazine | date = September 12, 2004 | url = http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2004/edition_09-12-2004/in_step_with_0 | access-date = July 7, 2010 | archive-date = June 4, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100604110642/http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2004/edition_09-12-2004/in_step_with_0 | url-status = live }}
Sinise was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President George W. Bush for work he did supporting the U.S. military and humanitarian work supporting Iraqi children.{{cite web |url=http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/35936694.html |title=New Recipients Of Presidential Citizen Medals |publisher=WBKO |access-date=December 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716085750/http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/35936694.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }} He narrated Army and Army Reserve Army Strong recruitment ads{{cite web|url=http://www.goarmy.com/families/index.jsp?fl=false |title=Soldier Life > Army Families |publisher=GoArmy.com |access-date=December 17, 2009 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004085621/http://www.goarmy.com/families/index.jsp?fl=false |archive-date=October 4, 2009 }} (Archived by WebCite at ) in late 2008.
Sinise is a supporter of various veterans' organizations, both personally and through the Lt. Dan Band. He frequently performs on USO tours at military bases around the world, and volunteered for the National Vietnam Veterans Arts Museum now called the National Veterans Art Museum. Since 2003, Gary Sinise has visited 174 military bases and 21 military hospitals around the world.
Sinise is also on the Advisory Council of Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to provide a full cycle of nonmedical care to combat-wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen from each military branch.[http://hopeforthewarriors.org/bod.html "Board of Directors"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113063106/http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/bod.html |date=November 13, 2011}}. Hope for the Warriors. Retrieved November 4, 2011. Sinise narrates the audiobook of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men which was released on April 13, 2011.{{cite web|title=OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck Read by Gary Sinise {{!}} Audiobook Review|url=http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/4802/of-mice-and-men-by-john-steinbeck-read-by-gary-sinise/|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=AudioFile Magazine|language=en|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925062151/https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/4802/of-mice-and-men-by-john-steinbeck-read-by-gary-sinise/|url-status=live}} In December 2011, Sinise was the narrator at the Candelight Processional at Disneyland.
In August 2012, Sinise was honored at the United States Navy Memorial, by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West, and was made an honorary U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer for his efforts in helping veterans.Rosprim, Thomas (August 27, 2012). [https://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/28/mcpon-names-gary-sinise-honorary-chief.html "MCPON Names Gary Sinise Honorary Chief"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820195554/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/28/mcpon-names-gary-sinise-honorary-chief.html |date=August 20, 2023 }}. Navy News Service NNS120827-07. Retrieved September 3, 2013. On August 29, 2013, he was named an honorary Marine by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.{{cite news|last=Seck|first=Hope Hodge|title=Lt. Dan' Gary Sinise becomes newest honorary Marine|url=http://blogs.militarytimes.com/battle-rattle/2013/08/30/lt-dan-gary-sinise-becomes-newest-honorary-marine/|publisher=Marine Corps Times|date=August 30, 2013|access-date=September 3, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903005419/http://blogs.militarytimes.com/battle-rattle/2013/08/30/lt-dan-gary-sinise-becomes-newest-honorary-marine/|archive-date=September 3, 2013}}{{cite news|title=Actor Gary Sinise becomes Honorary Marine|url=http://www.barracks.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/4206/Article/149005/actor-gary-sinise-becomes-honorary-marine.aspx|publisher=USMC - Marine Barracks Washington|date=August 30, 2013|access-date=September 12, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901063513/http://www.barracks.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/4206/Article/149005/actor-gary-sinise-becomes-honorary-marine.aspx|archive-date=September 1, 2013}} In 2006, Sinise began co-hosting the National Memorial Day Concert on the Mall in Washington, D.C., with actor and Illinois native Joe Mantegna.{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/features/families.html |title=Families of Disabled Vets | National Memorial Day Concert |publisher=PBS |access-date=December 17, 2009 |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602094402/http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/features/families.html |url-status=dead }}
He serves as the national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and spends much of his time raising awareness for the memorial and other veterans' service organizations.Sinise, Gary (March 2016). [https://www.guideposts.org/helping-others/gary-sinise-on-giving-back-to-veterans "Gary Sinise on Giving Back to Veterans"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312094639/https://www.guideposts.org/helping-others/gary-sinise-on-giving-back-to-veterans |date=March 12, 2016 }}. Guideposts. Retrieved April 23, 2016. In 2012, he was honored by the Joe Foss Institute for his dedication to veterans.
In 2013, he was awarded the third highest honor within the Department of the Army Civilian Awards, the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, for substantial contributions to the U.S. Army community through his work with the Gary Sinise Foundation. Each year the foundation raises over $30 million which it uses to benefit military veterans, including building smart homes for those who are disabled.{{cite magazine |last=Warner |first=Kara |date=February 13, 2019 |title=Forrest Gump Star Gary Sinise Opens Up About Raising $30 Million Annually for Veterans |url=https://people.com/movies/forrest-gump-gary-sinise-raising-30-million-for-veterans/ |magazine=People |access-date=September 7, 2019 |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227062512/https://people.com/movies/forrest-gump-gary-sinise-raising-30-million-for-veterans/ |url-status=live }} He participated in Troopathon VI for 2013, as he has in the past, to help raise money for care packages for American troops.{{cite web |url=http://www.troopathon.org/troopathon-aims-to-send-care-packages-to-troops-overseas |title=Troopathon Aims to Send Care Packages to Troops Overseas | Troopathon… |access-date=November 20, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131120171951/http://www.troopathon.org/troopathon-aims-to-send-care-packages-to-troops-overseas |archive-date=November 20, 2013 }}
He received the 2015 Sylvanus Thayer Award, awarded by the West Point Association of Graduates to a non-West Point graduate whose character, service, and achievements reflect the ideals prized by the U.S. Military Academy.{{cite web|title=TWS|publisher=Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/TogetherWeServed?fref=nf|access-date=June 13, 2015|archive-date=June 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611045014/https://www.facebook.com/TogetherWeServed?fref=nf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Gary Sinise to Receive 2015 Sylvanus Thayer Award|url=http://www.westpointaog.org/thayerawardgarysinise2015|website=Westpointaog.org|date=October 22, 2015|access-date=October 22, 2015|archive-date=October 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027144131/http://www.westpointaog.org/thayerawardgarysinise2015|url-status=live}}
In 2019, a video went viral of Gary Sinise reacting to a video of active duty service men and women, veterans, first responders, their families, and Colin Powell, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Ron Howard, Steve Buscemi, Jay Leno, Tim Allen, Rob Lowe, Judd Apatow and Robin Roberts giving thanks to Sinise for all his humanitarian work.{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7nCYnFsBqs|title= Gary Reacts to Video of Tom Hanks, Robin Roberts and Others Thanking Him for His Humanitarian Work|website= YouTube|date= September 9, 2019|accessdate= February 21, 2022|archive-date= February 21, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220221180735/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7nCYnFsBqs|url-status= live}}
In 2020, the Location Managers Guild honored Sinise with its Humanitarian award at their annual awards ceremony in recognition of the work he does with the Gary Sinise Foundation. In accepting the award. Sinise read a quote from President Calvin Coolidge saying, "The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten".{{cite news |last1=Giardina |first1=Carolyn |title=Spike Lee at Location Managers Guild Awards: "God Willing We'll All Be Back Working Together" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/spike-lee-at-location-manager-guild-awards-god-willing-well-all-be-back-working-together |access-date=October 25, 2020 |agency=Hollywood Reporter |date=October 24, 2020 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025200556/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/spike-lee-at-location-manager-guild-awards-god-willing-well-all-be-back-working-together |url-status=live }}
On April 16, 2021, Sinise hosted the inauguration ceremony of the World War I memorial in Washington, D.C.{{cite news |title=WWI Veterans to be honored during online ceremony featuring Gary Sinise |url=https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/86985/wwi-veterans-honored-online-ceremony-featuring-gary-sinise/ |access-date=April 23, 2021 |agency=U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs |date=April 14, 2021 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423122716/https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/86985/wwi-veterans-honored-online-ceremony-featuring-gary-sinise/ |url-status=live }}
Personal life
File:Lt. Dan Band performs at MCAS Beaufort (Image 15 of 21).jpg in 2024]]
File:President George W. Bush and Gary Sinise.jpg George W. Bush after receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008]]
Sinise married actress Moira Harris in 1981.{{cite web |last=Christiansen |first=Richard |title=STEPPENWOLF'S ODD COUPLE |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-03-12-9303191350-story.html |website=chicagotribune.com |date=March 12, 1993 |access-date=September 27, 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927181420/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-03-12-9303191350-story.html |url-status=live }} She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and as of 2024 she is cancer-free. They have three children.{{Cite web |title=Gary Sinise's Son, McCanna Anthony 'Mac' Sinise, Dead at 33 |url=https://people.com/gary-sinise-son-mccanna-anthony-mac-sinise-dead-33-cancer-8601248 |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Peoplemag |language=en |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228052748/https://people.com/gary-sinise-son-mccanna-anthony-mac-sinise-dead-33-cancer-8601248 |url-status=live }}
His son, McCanna "Mac" Anthony Sinise, died on January 5, 2024 and was laid to rest on January 23, 2024 in a Catholic service. He had been diagnosed in 2018 with chordoma, a rare cancer of the spine. Mac was a musician who had worked for his father's charitable foundation, and before his death, he had completed work on an album Resurrection & Revival.{{cite web |date=February 27, 2024 |title=Gary Sinise's Son McCanna Dead at 33 After Rare Cancer Battle |url=https://www.etonline.com/gary-sinises-son-mccanna-dead-at-33-after-rare-cancer-battle-220570 |access-date=February 27, 2024 |publisher=ET Online.com |language=EN |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227213644/https://www.etonline.com/gary-sinises-son-mccanna-dead-at-33-after-rare-cancer-battle-220570 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Greg |title=Gary Sinise's Son Mac Dies Of Rare Cancer At 33 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/mac-sinise-dead-gary-sinise-1235839798/ |access-date=28 February 2024 |work=Deadline |date=27 February 2024}}
Sinise is a practicing Catholic. He converted to the faith on December 24, 2010. His wife, Moira, converted in 2000.{{cite web |date=February 12, 2019 |title=Actor Gary Sinise describes his road to the Catholic Church |url=https://cnstopstories.com/2019/02/12/actor-gary-sinise-describes-his-road-to-the-catholic-church |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215155922/https://cnstopstories.com/2019/02/12/actor-gary-sinise-describes-his-road-to-the-catholic-church/ |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=February 14, 2019 |work=Catholic News Service}}
In 2003, Sinise was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Amherst College.{{cite web |title=Amherst College Commencement: 2003 Honorary Degree Citations |url=http://www.amherst.edu/commencement/2003/honorary/sinise.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060916160157/http://www.amherst.edu/commencement/2003/honorary/sinise.html |archive-date=September 16, 2006 |access-date=January 3, 2008}} He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by California State University, Stanislaus in 2008.{{Cite web |title=Gary Alan Sinise {{!}} CSU |url=https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/alumni/Honorary-Degrees/Pages/Gary-Alan-Sinise.aspx |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=www.calstate.edu |language=en-US |archive-date=October 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031085054/https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/alumni/Honorary-Degrees/Pages/Gary-Alan-Sinise.aspx |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2008 |title=Lt. Dan rocks: CSI's Sinese comes to Turlock |url=https://www.modbee.com/news/local/article3115083.html |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=modbee.com}}
Sinise is a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He is also a fan of the band Kansas.{{cite web|title=Gary Sinise In His Mission as The Messenger|work=Amici Journal|url=http://www.amiciorgit.net/Amici9.html|access-date=April 12, 2011|archive-date=September 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915014604/http://www.amiciorgit.net/Amici9.html|url-status=dead}}
Politics
In 2005, Sinise founded Friends of Abe, a support and networking group for conservative members of Hollywood.{{cite web|last=Carroll|first=Rory|date=June 13, 2017|title=Club for Hollywood Republicans locked in dispute –|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/13/hollywood-republicans-friends-of-abe-club-trump|access-date=June 3, 2020|website=The Guardian|archive-date=May 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531221337/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/13/hollywood-republicans-friends-of-abe-club-trump|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Cieply|first1=Michael|last2=Confessore|first2=Nicholas|date=January 22, 2014|title=Leaning Right in Hollywood, Under a Lens|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/us/politics/leaning-right-in-hollywood-under-a-lens.html|access-date=June 3, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821152917/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/us/politics/leaning-right-in-hollywood-under-a-lens.html|url-status=live}}
Sinise's name was in an advertisement in the Los Angeles Times (August 17, 2006) that condemned Hamas and Hezbollah and supported Israel in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict."[http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/nicole-kidman-and-84-others-stand-united-against-terrorism/ Nicole Kidman and 84 Others Stand United Against Terrorism] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907174835/http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/nicole-kidman-and-84-others-stand-united-against-terrorism/ |date=September 7, 2014}}" Hollywood Grind. August 18, 2006 In May 2009, Nicolle Wallace, a former adviser to George W. Bush and John McCain, mentioned Sinise as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2012.{{cite news |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/11/actor-gary-sinise-floated-as-possible-gop-savior/ |title=Actor Gary Sinise floated as possible GOP savior |publisher=CNN |date=May 11, 2009 |access-date=May 11, 2009 |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126080842/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/11/actor-gary-sinise-floated-as-possible-gop-savior/ |url-status=dead}} Sinise narrates the online virtual tour for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and spoke at the centennial celebration of Ronald Reagan's birth at the library in February 2011.
In September 2012, Sinise donated to Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2012/09/romney-eyes-hollywood-return-after-successful-weekend-fundraiser-342550/|title=Romney Eyes Hollywood Return After Successful Weekend Fundraiser|first=Dominic|last=Patten|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=September 24, 2012|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128033509/http://www.deadline.com/2012/09/romney-eyes-hollywood-return-after-successful-weekend-fundraiser/|url-status=live}}
Sinise's Republican-leaning views have been written into the character of Mac Taylor on CSI: NY. Taylor has a picture of Reagan displayed in his office and was once the subject of a joke by one of his colleagues about an eight-hour Reagan documentary he watched over and over again.
Despite being a lifelong supporter of the Republican Party, Sinise refused to endorse or vote for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election,{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} and also criticized Trump after the then-candidate questioned McCain's status as a war hero because he was captured as a prisoner of war.{{cite tweet|user=GarySinise|number=623229345952366592|title=Mr Trump, with all due respect, I fail to understand your motive in attacking Senator McCain by suggesting that he h…|date=July 20, 2015|website=Twitter|access-date=September 14, 2020}}
Awards and honors
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Gary Sinise}}
Over the years, Sinise has received numerous honors for his humanitarian work and his work on behalf of military veterans and families.{{cite web|url=https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/founder/awards/|title=Gary Sinise – Awards|website=garysinisefoundation.org|access-date=June 16, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614142827/https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/founder/awards/|url-status=live}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
- 2007 – the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment
- 2008 – the Presidential Citizens Medal by President George W. Bush.
- 2008 – Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition
- 2008 – Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Cal State Stanislaus
- 2009 – Spirit of the USO Award from the USO
- 2012 – Boy Scouts of America Leader of the Year
- 2012 – United States Navy, Honorary Chief Petty Officer{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69227|title=United States Navy – Honorary Chief Petty Officer – Gary Sinise|publisher=NAVY.mil|access-date=September 4, 2013|archive-date=November 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111173751/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69227|url-status=dead}}
- 2012 – Spirit of Hope Award from Department of Defense
- 2013 – Civic Statesmanship Award
- 2013 – Honorary Marine{{cite web|title=Gary Sinise named an Honorary Marine|url=https://www.stripes.com/blogs/stripes-central/stripes-central-1.8040/gary-sinise-named-an-honorary-marine-1.238312|access-date=June 30, 2020|website=Stars and Stripes|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630215120/https://www.stripes.com/blogs/stripes-central/stripes-central-1.8040/gary-sinise-named-an-honorary-marine-1.238312|url-status=live}}
- 2015 – United States Military Academy, Thayer Award
- 2016 – FDNY, Honorary Battalion Chief{{cite web|url=http://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/news/article.page?id=a01516&permalinkName=fdny-commissioner-daniel-a-nigro-swears-actor-gary-sinise-honorary-battalion-chief#/0|title=FDNY – Honorary Battalion Chief Gary Sinise|date=March 23, 2016|publisher=NYC.gov|access-date=February 22, 2017|archive-date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223043337/http://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/news/article.page?id=a01516&permalinkName=fdny-commissioner-daniel-a-nigro-swears-actor-gary-sinise-honorary-battalion-chief#/0|url-status=live}}
- 2017 – James Cardinal Gibbons Medal from The Catholic University of America
- 2017 - George Catlett Marshall Medal Award from Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
- 2018 – The Kennedy Center Award for the Human Spirit (Citizen Artist)
- 2018 – American Spirit Award from The National WWII Museum
- 2018 – Grand Marshal, Rose Bowl Game, Honorary
- 2019 – The Eisenhower Award from Business Executives for National Security
- 2019 – Marine Corps League Honorary Membership
- 2020 – United States Naval Academy, Honorary Graduate
- 2020 – The Congressional Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award
}}
Bibliography
- {{cite book| last1 = Sinise | first1 = Gary | last2 = Brotherton | first2 = Marcus | year = 2019 |title = Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service | publisher = Thomas Nelson | location = Nashville| isbn = 978-1-40020-812-8}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
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- {{IMDb name|641}}
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- {{iobdb name|15219}}
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