Gary Alan Sinise is a highly decorated American actor known for his work on stage and screen. He has received numerous awards including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a Tony, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. Sinise is also a director, producer, musician, and dedicated humanitarian. He is renowned for his support of veterans, notably through the Lt. Dan Band, which performs for military personnel globally. His contributions to the entertainment industry and philanthropic endeavors have earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1981: Marriage to Moira Harris
In 1981, Gary Sinise married actress Moira Harris. They went on to have three children: Mac, Sophie, and Ella.
November 10, 1990: Birth of McCanna Anthony Sinise
On November 10, 1990, Gary Sinise's son, McCanna 'Mac' Anthony Sinise, was born. Mac later became a musician and worked for the Gary Sinise Foundation.
2000: Moira Harris Converts to Catholicism
In 2000, Moira Harris, wife of Gary Sinise, converted to Catholicism, setting a spiritual example for her family.
2003: Honorary Doctorate from Amherst College
In 2003, Gary Sinise was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Amherst College, recognizing his contributions to the arts and society.
2005: Founded Friends of Abe
In 2005, Gary Sinise founded Friends of Abe, a support and networking group for conservative members of Hollywood, aiming to provide a community for those with shared political views.
August 17, 2006: Advertisement in Los Angeles Times
On August 17, 2006, Gary Sinise's name appeared in an advertisement in the Los Angeles Times condemning Hamas and Hezbollah and supporting Israel in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict.
2006: Co-hosts National Memorial Day Concert
In 2006, Gary Sinise began co-hosting the National Memorial Day Concert on the Mall in Washington, D.C., alongside actor Joe Mantegna.
2008: Honorary Doctorate from California State University
In 2008, Gary Sinise was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by California State University, Stanislaus, acknowledging his achievements and service in the arts.
May 2009: Potential Republican Presidential Candidate Mention
In May 2009, Nicolle Wallace, a former adviser to George W. Bush and John McCain, mentioned Gary Sinise as a potential Republican presidential candidate for the 2012 election.
December 24, 2010: Gary Sinise Converts to Catholicism
On December 24, 2010, Gary Sinise converted to Catholicism, aligning with the faith of his wife, Moira, who had converted in 2000.
February 2011: Spoke at Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration
In February 2011, Gary Sinise spoke at the centennial celebration of Ronald Reagan's birth at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, where he also narrates the online virtual tour.
August 2012: Honored as Honorary U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer
In August 2012, Gary Sinise was honored at the United States Navy Memorial and was made an honorary U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer for his efforts in supporting veterans.
September 2012: Donated to Mitt Romney's Campaign
In September 2012, Gary Sinise donated to Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, supporting his campaign for the presidency.
2012: Honored by Joe Foss Institute
In 2012, Gary Sinise was honored by the Joe Foss Institute for his dedication to veterans, highlighting his role as the national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and his efforts to raise awareness for veterans' service organizations.
2012: Narrates Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Tour
In 2012, Gary Sinise narrated the online virtual tour for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, enhancing the visitor experience with his voice.
August 29, 2013: Named Honorary Marine
On August 29, 2013, Gary Sinise was named an honorary Marine by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for his notable efforts in helping veterans.
2013: Outstanding Civilian Service Award
In 2013, Gary Sinise was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, the third highest honor within the Department of the Army Civilian Awards, for his substantial contributions to the U.S. Army community through his work with the Gary Sinise Foundation. The foundation raises over $30 million annually to support military veterans, including building smart homes for those who are disabled.
2015: Sylvanus Thayer Award
In 2015, Gary Sinise received the Sylvanus Thayer Award, given 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.
2016: Refused to Endorse Donald Trump
In 2016, despite being a lifelong supporter of the Republican Party, Gary Sinise refused to endorse or vote for Donald Trump in the presidential election and criticized Trump for questioning John McCain's status as a war hero.
2018: Moira Harris Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
In 2018, Gary Sinise's wife, Moira Harris, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she continues to fight the illness.
2018: Mac Diagnosed with Chordoma
In 2018, McCanna 'Mac' Anthony Sinise, son of Gary Sinise, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare and challenging cancer of the spine.
2019: Viral Video Tribute
In 2019, a video went viral featuring Gary Sinise reacting to messages of thanks from active duty service members, veterans, first responders, their families, and celebrities like Colin Powell, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, and others, in recognition of his extensive humanitarian work.
2020: Humanitarian Award from Location Managers Guild
In 2020, the Location Managers Guild honored Gary Sinise with its Humanitarian award at their annual awards ceremony, acknowledging his significant contributions through the Gary Sinise Foundation. During his acceptance speech, Sinise quoted President Calvin Coolidge: 'The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten'.
April 16, 2021: Hosts World War I Memorial Inauguration
On April 16, 2021, Gary Sinise hosted the inauguration ceremony of the World War I memorial in Washington D.C., highlighting his ongoing commitment to honoring military service members.
January 5, 2024: Death of McCanna Anthony Sinise
On January 5, 2024, McCanna 'Mac' Anthony Sinise, son of Gary Sinise, passed away after battling chordoma, a rare cancer of the spine. Mac was a musician and had completed work on an album titled 'Resurrection & Revival' before his death.
January 23, 2024: Funeral of McCanna Anthony Sinise
On January 23, 2024, McCanna 'Mac' Anthony Sinise, son of Gary Sinise, was laid to rest in a Catholic service following his death on January 5, 2024, from chordoma.
2024: Moira Harris Cancer-Free
By 2024, Moira Harris, wife of Gary Sinise, is cancer-free after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.