Gary Alan Sinise is a highly accomplished American actor, director, producer, and musician. With a career spanning over three decades, he has delivered remarkable performances that have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Notable roles include ‘George Milton’ in ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘Lt. Dan Taylor’ in ‘Forrest Gump,’ which garnered him an Academy Award nomination. Sinise’s portrayal of ‘Harry S Truman’ in ‘Truman’ earned him a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award, while his portrayal of ‘George C Wallace’ in ‘George Wallace’ won him an Emmy. In addition to his acting talents, Sinise is also known for his musical endeavors, including forming the ‘Lt. Dan Band’ and performing at USO shows to entertain the armed forces and raise funds for disabled veterans. His dedication to supporting the US military and various veterans’ organizations has earned him the prestigious Presidential Citizens Medal.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Gary Alan Sinise
- Age: 68 Years, 68 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Moira Harris (m. 1981)
- Father: Robert L. Sinise
- Mother: Mylles Sinise
- Born Country: United States
- Humanitarian
- Actors
- Height: 5’8″ (173 cm), 5’8″ Males
- Ancestry: Italian American
- U.S. State: Illinois
- Education: Illinois State University
Childhood & Early Life
Gary Sinise was born on March 17, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, US, to Robert L Sinise and Mylles (Alsip) Sinise. His father was a film editor. He studied at ‘Glenbard West High School’ in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, for a while and then attended the ‘Highland Park High School’ in Highland Park, Illinois, from where he completed his graduation. Thereafter, he attended the ‘Illinois State University.’
Showbiz Career
Gary Sinise founded the ‘Steppenwolf Theatre Company,’ along with Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry, and Terry Kinney, in 1974. Notable actors, playwrights, and directors, such as Ethan Hawke, Joan Allen, Glenne Headly, Gary Cole, Eric Simonson, Tina Landau, Terry Kinney, K.Todd Freeman, and Frank Galati, have displayed their skills at ‘Steppenwolf.’ Sinise won a ‘Joseph Jefferson Award’ for directing the play ‘Orphans’ by Lyle Kessler.
Sinise started getting attention after ‘Steppenwolf’ produced Sam Shepard’s play ‘True West’ in 1982. Sinise directed the play, apart from playing one of the lead roles alongside John Malkovich. His theatrical pursuits earned him an ‘Obie Award’ for direction, in 1983. Sinise and Malkovich also appeared in the TV movie based on the play, featured in the ‘PBS’ anthology series ‘American Playhouse’ in January 1984.
Sinise then directed the film ‘Miles from Home,’ which released on September 12, 1988. He then starred as ‘George Milton’ in the period drama ‘Of Mice and Men,’ which released on October 2, 1992. The film was also produced and directed by him. He starred as ‘Lieutenant Dan Taylor’ in the romantic drama ‘Forrest Gump,’ which released on July 6, 1994. The film garnered critical acclaim and grossed $677.9 million at the box office.
One of the most remarkable TV portrayals of his career was the role of ‘Harry S Truman’ in the award-winning TV movie ‘Truman.’ He furthered his fame by playing the titular role of former Governor of Alabama George C Wallace in the TV movie ‘George Wallace.’
He landed up with his first regular TV series when he bagged the role of ‘Detective Mac Taylor’ in the police-procedural series ‘CSI: NY.’ He featured in all nine seasons of the series. He also produced and starred in the police-procedural TV series ‘Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.’
Over the years, he has performed in several notable films and has also forayed into voice acting.
Other Pursuits
In 2003, he co-founded the cover band ‘Lt. Dan Band’ with Kimo Williams. The band performs at ‘USO’ shows, entertains troops visiting military bases in the US and abroad, and makes efforts in raising funds for disabled veterans. He was the narrator of the 2008 ‘Discovery Channel HD’ documentary miniseries ‘When We Left Earth.’ He also acts as the national spokesperson for the ‘American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.’
Personal Life & Legacy
Gary Sinise is married to actor Moira Harris since 1981. The couple has three children. He is a staunch supporter of the ‘Republican Party.’