Gary Sinise Bio, Age, Wife, Children, Movies, Foundation & Net Worth

Gary Sinise Biography

Gary Sinise is an American actor, director, musician, and veterans’ advocate best known for playing Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. His career spans Chicago theater, Hollywood films, television dramas, and charitable work. Meanwhile, his family experiences have increasingly shaped his public life.

Born in Illinois, Sinise developed his interest in acting through school theater. He later helped establish Steppenwolf Theatre Company, building experience as both a performer and director. Those early productions provided a foundation for his screen career. However, his work has continued beyond entertainment through music and community service.

His film appearances include Apollo 13, Ransom, and The Green Mile. Television audiences also recognize him as Detective Mac Taylor from CSI: NY. He subsequently played Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. These roles connected him with audiences across several generations.

Outside acting, Sinise established the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011. The organization supports service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. In November 2026, his memoir Graceful Warrior brings renewed attention to his son Mac’s life. The book also explores the family’s experience of caregiving, grief, and continuing together after loss.

Gary Sinise Age | Birthday: How Old is Gary Sinise?

Gary Sinise is 71 years old as of 2026. He was born on March 17, 1955, in Blue Island, Illinois, United States. Therefore, the American actor celebrates his birthday annually on March 17. Sinise developed an interest in acting during high school. Subsequently, he co-founded Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 1974, at age 18. Over the decades, he built a successful Hollywood career, starring in Forrest Gump and CSI: NY.

Gary Sinise Height: How Tall is Gary Sinise?

Gary Sinise stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm or 1.75 meters) tall. However, some celebrity height websites estimate his height at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). The American actor maintains a recognizable screen presence through his performances. Moreover, Sinise portrayed Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump and Detective Mac Taylor in CSI: NY. His commanding performances highlight his acting versatility rather than his physical stature.

Gary Sinise Ethnicity

Gary Sinise is an American actor of mixed European ethnicity, including Italian, English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, and Swedish ancestry. His paternal grandfather had Italian roots, while his great-grandfather, Vito Sinisi, immigrated from Ripacandida in Basilicata, Italy. Meanwhile, his broader family heritage reflects several European backgrounds. Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, and grew up in the Chicago area. Furthermore, his family’s military history influenced his dedication to supporting American veterans through the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Gary Sinise Religion

Gary Sinise is a practicing Roman Catholic who officially converted to Catholicism on December 24, 2010. His wife, Moira Harris, influenced his spiritual journey after embracing Catholicism in 2000. Furthermore, the September 11 attacks strengthened his faith and inspired his commitment to American military veterans. Sinise credits his Christian faith with guiding his charitable work through the Gary Sinise Foundation. Moreover, he considers religion an important source of strength, particularly during personal challenges and his family’s battle with cancer.

Gary Sinise Early Life & Education

Sinise discovered theater during high school after teacher Barbara Patterson encouraged him to audition for West Side Story. He earned a small role and found a new interest through rehearsals and performances.

In his personal account, Sinise describes that experience as a turning point. He subsequently participated in more school productions and studied the practical work of theater. After graduation, he pursued plays with friends while taking other jobs. His route into acting developed through productions rather than a conventional college path.

Gary Sinise Family: Parents & Siblings

Gary Sinise was born to Robert L. Sinise and Mylles S. Alsip, also known as Millie, in Blue Island, Illinois. His father worked as a film editor and previously served in the U.S. Navy. Meanwhile, his mother supported the family throughout his childhood. Sinise grew up alongside two younger siblings, Randy Sinise and Lori Sinise. His family later relocated to Highland Park, Illinois, where he attended high school. Furthermore, his paternal grandfather had Italian ancestry, while his family also had European roots. His father’s filmmaking career exposed him to the entertainment industry during childhood, influencing his artistic interests.

Gary Sinise Wife | Moira Harris

Gary Sinise married American actress Moira Harris in 1981, and their marriage has lasted over four decades. The couple met while attending Illinois State University and developed a relationship through their shared passion for acting. Moreover, Harris performed with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and appeared in Of Mice and Men and Terminator 3. Together, they welcomed three children: Sophie, Mac, and Ella Sinise. However, their son Mac died from cancer in January 2024. Previously, Moira battled breast cancer following her 2018 diagnosis. Despite these challenges, Gary and Moira remain married in 2026, supporting each other through family hardships.

Gary Sinise Children | Kids

Gary Sinise and his wife, Moira Harris, have three children: Sophie, McCanna Anthony “Mac,” and Ella Sinise. Their eldest daughter, Sophie Sinise, works as a hairstylist, while their youngest daughter, Ella Sinise, pursued teaching. Meanwhile, their son Mac Sinise worked as a musician and supported the Gary Sinise Foundation. Tragically, Mac died on January 5, 2024, aged 33, following a battle with chordoma, a rare bone cancer. Furthermore, Gary Sinise honors his son’s legacy through music and charitable initiatives. In 2026, he released Graceful Warrior, a memoir documenting Mac’s courageous cancer journey and their family’s enduring resilience.

Gary Sinise Career Timeline

Gary Sinise Early Career | Steppenwolf Theatre

Gary Sinise discovered his passion for acting while attending Highland Park High School in Illinois. In 1974, he co-founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company with Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry. Initially, the group performed in modest spaces before becoming a major force in American theater.

Throughout the late 1970s, Sinise refined his acting and directing skills through various stage productions. His breakthrough came with Sam Shepard’s True West, which he directed and performed in alongside John Malkovich. The production earned him an Obie Award in 1983. Subsequently, he directed Orphans, further strengthening his theatrical reputation.

Sinise expanded into screen work during the 1980s. In 1988, he made his feature film directing debut with Miles from Home, starring Richard Gere. He later earned a Tony Award nomination for The Grapes of Wrath on Broadway. Moreover, he directed and starred in Of Mice and Men (1992), setting the stage for his Hollywood success.

Gary Sinise Movies & TV Shows

Gary Sinise has built an extensive Hollywood career, appearing in numerous movies, television series, and documentaries. His breakthrough came with Forrest Gump (1994), where he portrayed Lieutenant Dan Taylor alongside Tom Hanks. Subsequently, he starred in Apollo 13 (1995), Ransom (1996), and The Green Mile (1999).

Meanwhile, Sinise achieved television success portraying Detective Mac Taylor in CSI: NY (2004–2013). He also earned recognition for Truman (1995) and George Wallace (1997). Furthermore, he starred in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016–2017) and 13 Reasons Why (2020). His later films include Sgt. Will Gardner (2019), I Still Believe (2020), and Joe Bell (2020). Additionally, Sinise has contributed voice performances and narration to several documentaries and animated productions. IMDb+1

Gary Sinise Full Filmography

The following lists cover his principal feature films, television appearances, television films, and selected documentary credits through 2026.

Movies

• 1978: A Wedding — Extra (uncredited)
• 1988: Miles from Home — Director
• 1992: A Midnight Clear — Vance “Mother” Wilkins
• 1992: Of Mice and Men — George Milton; director
• 1992: The Witness — Young Soldier (short film)
• 1993: Jack the Bear — Norman Strick
• 1994: Forrest Gump — Lieutenant Dan Taylor
• 1995: Apollo 13 — Ken Mattingly
• 1995: The Quick and the Dead — Marshal
• 1996: Ransom — Detective Jimmy Shaker
• 1996: Albino Alligator — Milo
• 1998: Snake Eyes — Commander Kevin Dunne
• 1999: The Green Mile — Burt Hammersmith
• 1999: It’s the Rage — Morgan
• 2000: Bruno — Dino Battaglia
• 2000: Mission to Mars — Jim McConnell
• 2000: Reindeer Games — Gabriel Mercer
• 2002: Impostor — Spencer Olham
• 2002: A Gentleman’s Game — Foster Pearse
• 2002: Made-Up — Duncan Tivey
• 2003: The Human Stain — Nathan Zuckerman
• 2004: The Forgotten — Dr. Jack Munce
• 2004: The Big Bounce — Ray Ritchie
• 2005: Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D — Gene Cernan (voice)
• 2006: Open Season — Shaw (voice)
• 2009: Beyond All Boundaries — Ernie Pyle (voice)
• 2014: Captain America: The Winter Soldier — Smithsonian narrator (voice)
• 2015: Beyond Glory — Military voice
• 2019: Sgt. Will Gardner — Larry
• 2020: I Still Believe — Tom Camp
• 2020: Joe Bell — Sheriff Westin

Television Shows & TV Movies

• 1980: Knots Landing — Lee Maddox
• 1984: Family Secrets — Motorcyclist
• 1984: True West — Austin
• 1986–1987: Crime Story — Howie Dressler
• 1989: The Final Days — Richard Ben-Veniste
• 1989: Hunter — Lord Rutherford
• 1989: My Name Is Bill W. — Ebby
• 1991: The Grapes of Wrath — Tom Joad
• 1994: The Stand — Stu Redman
• 1995: Truman — President Harry S. Truman
• 1995: Frasier — Sid (voice)
• 1997: George Wallace — Governor George Wallace
• 1999: That Championship Season — Tom Daley
• 2002: Path to War — George Wallace
• 2003: Fallen Angel — Terry McQuinn
• 2004–2005: CSI: Miami — Detective Mac Taylor
• 2004–2013: CSI: NY — Detective Mac Taylor
• 2013: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation — Detective Mac Taylor
• 2015: Criminal Minds — Agent Jack Garrett
• 2016–2017: Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders — Agent Jack Garrett
• 2020: 13 Reasons Why — Dr. Robert Ellman

Documentaries & Narration (Selected Credits)

• 2004: This Old Cub — Himself
• 2008: When We Left Earth — Narrator
• 2009: WWII in HD — Narrator
• 2009: We Believe — Narrator
• 2011: Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good — Himself
• 2011: None Less Than Heroes: The Honor Flight Story — Narrator
• 2015: Finding Noah — Narrator
• 2017: Steve McQueen: American Icon — Narrator
• 2022: Into Flight Once More — Narrator
• 2025: Brothers After War — Executive producer
• 2026: The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph — Himself

Gary Sinise Foundation & Lt. Dan Band

Sinise’s support for veterans began before he established his foundation. His connection deepened through veterans he met during his early theater years. Later, his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan introduced another connection with wounded service members.

He formed the Lt. Dan Band in 2003, combining music with performances supporting military communities. Sinise plays bass, while the ensemble performs at benefit events and military gatherings.

The foundation expanded that work in 2011. Its programs include adapted homes, first-responder support, education, and assistance for bereaved military families. These activities explain why his public work extends well beyond acting credits.

Gary Sinise Foundation: Veterans Support, Programs & Charity Work

Gary Sinise founded the Gary Sinise Foundation on June 30, 2011, to support American military veterans, first responders, and their families. The nonprofit organization provides housing assistance, financial relief, mental health support, and educational programs. Moreover, its R.I.S.E. initiative builds specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. Through Snowball Express, the foundation supports children and surviving spouses of fallen heroes. Additionally, Sinise performs benefit concerts with his Lt. Dan Band. In fiscal year 2026, the foundation reported $100 million in revenue and donations, directing 90% of contributions toward its mission.

Gary Sinise Latest News | Graceful Warrior & Acting Plans

Sinise’s official foundation page lists November 10 as the release date for Graceful Warrior. The date also marks Mac’s birthday. Steppenwolf confirms the year as 2026 through its related book event.

Steppenwolf also schedules a November 24 conversation with Sinise and artistic director Audrey Francis. The event combines discussion of the company’s history with reflections on his new book. Its official listing places the conversation in the Downstairs Theater. That appearance connects his current writing with the theater community where his career began.

Separately, a November 2026 PEOPLE interview addresses his possible return to acting. Sinise remains open to suitable work, provided it fits his family responsibilities. However, that interview does not announce a confirmed film or television comeback.

Gary Sinise Net Worth

Gary Sinise has an estimated net worth of $50 million as of 2026, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He accumulated his wealth through acting, directing, producing, and television contracts. Notably, his nine-season role in CSI: NY contributed significantly to his earnings. Reports estimate his salary reached $250,000 per episode during later seasons. Moreover, films like Forrest Gump and Apollo 13 strengthened his Hollywood career. Sinise also pursues music and philanthropy through his Lt. Dan Band and Gary Sinise Foundation. His exact wealth remains unverified.

Gary Sinise Quick Facts

• Full Name: Gary Alan Sinise
• Date of Birth: March 17, 1955
• Age: 71 years old (as of 2026)
• Birthplace: Blue Island, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Italian, English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Height: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
• Profession: Actor, Director, Producer, Musician, and Philanthropist
• Education: Highland Park High School
• Father: Robert L. Sinise
• Mother: Mylles S. Alsip (Millie Sinise)
• Siblings: Randy Sinise and Lori Sinise
• Marital Status: Married
• Wife: Moira Harris (married in 1981)
• Children: Sophie Sinise, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, and Ella Sinise
• Son’s Death: Mac Sinise died on January 5, 2024, aged 33
• Career Beginnings: 1974
• Theater Company: Co-founder of Steppenwolf Theatre Company
• Famous Movies: Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, The Green Mile, and Of Mice and Men
• Famous TV Shows: CSI: NY, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and 13 Reasons Why
• Famous Role: Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump (1994)
• Music Band: Lt. Dan Band
• Foundation: Gary Sinise Foundation
• Awards: Golden Globe Award, Emmy Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award
• Estimated Net Worth: $50 million (2026, unverified estimate)