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Gary Sinise

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Gary Sinise
Sinise in May 2011
Born
Gary Alan Sinise

(1955-03-17) March 17, 1955 (age 69)
Blue Island, Illinois, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1973 (1973)–present
Notable workGeorge 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
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
​
(m. 1981)​
Children3

Gary Alan Sinise (/sɪˈniːs/; born March 17, 1955) is an American actor, humanitarian, and musician. 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,[1] and was nominated for an Academy Award.[2] Sinise has also received numerous awards and honors for his extensive humanitarian work and involvement with charitable organizations. He is a supporter of various veterans' organizations and founded the Lt. Dan Band (named after his character in Forrest Gump), which plays at 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 a Obie Award. He would later earned four Tony Award nominations including for his performances in The Grapes of Wrath and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. He earned the Tony Award's Regional Theatre Award alongside the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Sinise first 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 he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in films such as Ron Howard's Apollo 13 (1995), Ransom (1996), Frank Darabont's The Green Mile (1999) and Impostor (2002).

He is also known for his television performances as Harry S. Truman in Truman (1995), for which he won a Golden Globe, and the title role in the television film George Wallace, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award. He later had leading roles as Detective Mac Taylor in the CBS series CSI: NY (2004–13), From 2016 to 2017, Sinise starred as Special Agent Jack Garrett in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

Early life

Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, son of Robert L. Sinise (born 1931),[3] a film editor, and Mylles (Alsip) Sinise.[4][5][6] His paternal grandfather was of Italian descent, Sinise's great-grandfather Vito Sinisi having immigrated from Ripacandida, in the Italian region of Basilicata.[7][8] Sinise briefly attended Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and later graduated from Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Illinois.[9]

In 1974, Sinise and two friends, Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry, founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.[10] Since then, Steppenwolf has showcased the talents of notable actors such as Joan Allen, Kevin Anderson, Gary Cole, Ethan Hawke, Glenne Headly, John Mahoney, John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, Martha Plimpton, Jim True-Frost, and William Petersen. Sinise honed his acting and directing skills at Steppenwolf, and received a Joseph Jefferson Award for his direction of Lyle Kessler's play Orphans. That took him from Chicago to New York City, and then to London's West End, where he worked on more than thirty of the company's productions.

Career

A man is at the center of the image looking at the camera. He is dressed in Vietnam War–era military attire including a vest and helmet. He has a cigarette sitting on his lips and is wearing a backpack.
Sinise on the set of Forrest Gump, in 1993

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. In 1988, Sinise directed Miles from Home, a film starring Richard Gere, about two brothers' fight against the foreclosure of the family farm. Sinise collaborated with fellow actor Tom Hanks three times, including Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and The Green Mile. Other noteworthy films in which Sinise has appeared include Of Mice and Men (which he directed), Reindeer Games, Snake Eyes, Ransom, Mission to Mars, The Stand and Impostor. He narrated the audiobooks for John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley.

In 2004, he began his first regular television series, in the crime drama CSI: New York, 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.

Apart from his television and movie work, Sinise used to be the host in the video for the Epcot ride Mission: SPACE, at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, and a model for Baume & Mercier watches.[11] He 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."[12]

Sinise was the narrator for the Discovery Channel's miniseries When We Left Earth in 2008. He was awarded the Presidential Citizen Medal by George W. Bush for work he did supporting the U.S. military and humanitarian work supporting Iraqi children.[13] He narrated Army and Army Reserve Army Strong recruitment ads[14] in late 2008. He is also the national spokesperson for the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

Sinise is the executive producer—along with David Scantling—of the Iraq War documentary Brothers at War.[15] The film features an American military family and the experiences of three brothers: Jake Rademacher, Isaac Rademacher, and Joseph Rademacher.[16]

In November 2009, Sinise narrated the highly acclaimed World War II in HD on the History Channel. In 2010, he narrated the World War II documentary Missions That Changed The War on the Military Channel. In late 2002, he started the Cadillac commercials starting with the 2002–2003 Season's Best commercial and has been with the Break Through campaign since it started the campaign in the 2002 Super Bowl with Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll" then ended in late 2006. 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.[17]

On April 17, 2017, Sinise received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in the television industry, located at 6664 Hollywood Boulevard.[18][19]

On October 30, 2017, Sinise was selected as Grand Marshal of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, which took place on January 1, 2018.[20]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1978 A Wedding Extra Uncredited[citation needed]
1988 Miles from Home Director
1992 Of Mice and Men George Milton Also director and producer
A Midnight Clear Vance "Mother" Wilkins
The Witness Young Soldier Short film
1993 Jack the Bear Norman Strick
1994 Forrest Gump Lieutenant Dan Taylor
1995 Apollo 13 Ken Mattingly
The Quick and the Dead The Marshal
1996 Ransom Detective Jimmy Shaker
Albino Alligator Milo
1998 Snake Eyes Commander Kevin Dunne
1999 The Green Mile Burt Hammersmith
It's the Rage Morgan
2000 Bruno Dino Battaglia
Mission to Mars Jim McConnell
Reindeer Games Gabriel Mercer
2002 Impostor Spencer Olham Also producer
A Gentleman's Game Foster Pearse
Made-Up Duncan Tivey
2003 The Human Stain Nathan Zuckerman
Mission: SPACE Capcom Short film
2004 The Forgotten Dr. Jack Munce
The Big Bounce Ray Ritchie
2005 Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D Gene Cernan Voice role
2006 Open Season Shaw
2011 None Less Than Heroes: The Honor Flight Story Narrator Documentary
Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good Himself
2014 Captain America: The Winter Soldier Smithsonian Narrator Voice role
2016 Beyond Glory Military Voice
2019 Sgt. Will Gardner Larry
2020 I Still Believe Tom Camp
Joe Bell Sheriff Westin

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1980 Knots Landing Lee Maddox Episode: "Small Surprises"
1984 Family Secrets Motorcyclist TV movie
True West Austin American Playhouse broadcast of play
1986-87 Crime Story Howie Dressler 2 episodes
1989 The Final Days Richard Ben-Veniste TV movie
Hunter Lord Rutherford Episode: "Lullabye"
My Name Is Bill W. Ebby, Bill's best friend Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie
1991 The Grapes of Wrath Tom Joad American Playhouse broadcast of play
1994 The Stand Stu Redman Miniseries; 4 episodes
1995 Truman Harry S. Truman TV movie
Frasier Sid Episode: "The Club"; voice only
1997 George Wallace George C. Wallace TV movie
1999 That Championship Season Tom Daley
2002 Path to War George Wallace TV movie, uncredited[citation needed]
2003 Fallen Angel Terry TV movie
2004–05 CSI: Miami Detective Mac Taylor Episodes: "MIA/NYC NonStop", "Felony Flight"
2004–13 CSI: NY Detective Mac Taylor Lead role; 197 episodes
2008 When We Left Earth Narrator Documentary miniseries; 6 episodes
2009 WWII in HD 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 Criminal Minds Agent Jack Garrett Episode: "Beyond Borders"
2016–17 Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders Agent Jack Garrett Lead role, also producer
2020 13 Reasons Why Dr. Robert Ellman Lead role (Season 4); 10 episodes.

Theatre

Year Title Role Notes
1984 True West Austin Cherry Lane Theatre, Broadway
1984 Balm in Gilead Dopey Circle Reporatory Theatre
1985 The Caretaker 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 Steppenwolf Theatre Company
2000 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Randle McMurphy
2001 Royale Theatre, Broadway

Video games

Year Title Role Notes
2008 CSI: NY Detective Mac Taylor Voice role

Personal life

Sinise playing bass guitar in the Lt. Dan Band
Sinise with President George W. Bush after receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008

Sinise married actress Moira Harris in 1981.[21] They have three children.[21] In 2003, Sinise was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Amherst College.[22] He was awarded the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal by President George W. Bush in 2008.[23]

Sinise is a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He also is a fan of the band Kansas.[24]

Sinise is a practicing Catholic. He converted to the faith on December 24, 2010. His wife, Moira, converted in 2000.[25]

Politics

In 2005, Sinise founded Friends of Abe, a support and networking group for conservative members of Hollywood.[26][27]

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.[28] In June 2008, Sinise donated $2,300 to the Republican presidential primary campaign of Arizona Senator John McCain.[29] Nicolle Wallace, a former adviser to George W. Bush and McCain's campaign adviser, stated in May 2009 that she believed Sinise could help bring about a resurgence of the Republican Party. Wallace stated, "The natural strengths that an actor brings to politics would come in handy to anyone going up against Obama in 2012. We will need an effective communicator who can stand toe to toe with Obama's eloquence." Other names mentioned were those of Generals David Petraeus and Ray Odierno.[30] 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.[31] Sinise's Republican-leaning has been written into his character of Mac Taylor who has a picture of Reagan displayed in his office, and is once the subject of a joke by one of his colleagues about an eight-hour documentary about Reagan he kept watching over and over. In spite being a lifelong supporter of the Republican Party, Sinise refused to endorse or vote for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, 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.[32]

Humanitarian work

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.

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.[33] Sinise narrates the audiobook of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," which was released on April 13, 2011.[34] 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.[35] On August 29, 2013, he was named an honorary Marine by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.[36][37] 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.[38]

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.[39] 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.[40] He participated in Troopathon VI for 2013, as he has in the past, to help raise money for care packages for American troops.[41]

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.[42][43]

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 Robert Roberts[disambiguation needed] giving thanks to Sinise for all his humanitarian work.[44]

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".[45]

On April 16, 2021, Sinise hosted the inauguration ceremony of the World War I memorial in Washington D.C.[46]

Awards and honors

Main article: 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.[47]

Bibliography

  • Sinise, Gary; Brotherton, Marcus (2019). Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. ISBN 978-1-40020-812-8.

References

  1. ^ "Gary Sinise Awarded Walk of Fame Star For footballer Acting, Pro-Military Activism". Fox News. April 17, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  2. ^ Eller, Claudia; King, Susan. "The 67th Academy Award Nominations: Bubba Gump Oscar Co." Los Angeles Times, February 15, 1995
  3. ^ "My Father, Robert Lee Sinise, turned 90 years old today". Mobile.twitter.com. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  4. ^ John O'Mahony (July 15, 2000). "The guts and the glory". The Guardian. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  5. ^ "Gary Sinise Biography (1955–)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
  6. ^ The Film daily year book of motion pictures, Volume 47. J. W. Alicoate. 1965. p. 324.
  7. ^ Byrne, Bridget (February 7, 2007). "SouthCoastToday.com – Living – This 'CSI' has a New York state of mind – February 7, 2007". Archive.southcoasttoday.com. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  8. ^ Petrelli, Gianni (December 22, 2005). "Un attore ripacandidese" [An actor from Ripacandida]. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  9. ^ 2014 Alumni Directory
  10. ^ "Gary Sinise: Ensemble Member Bio". Archived from the original on December 15, 2007. Retrieved January 3, 2008.
  11. ^ "Baume & Mercier and Gary Sinise". Archived from the original on December 3, 2007. Retrieved January 3, 2008.
  12. ^ "In Step With: Gary Sinise". Parade Magazine. September 12, 2004.
  13. ^ "New Recipients Of Presidential Citizen Medals". WBKO. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  14. ^ "Soldier Life > Army Families". GoArmy.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2009. Retrieved December 17, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) (Archived by WebCite at )
  15. ^ "Sinise produces pro-military documentary". Upi.com. March 11, 2009. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
  16. ^ "Film review: 'Brothers at War' – Military Movies". Military Times. Archived from the original on March 16, 2009. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
  17. ^ Groves, Martha (November 16, 2009). "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". Los Angeles Times.
  18. ^ "Gary Sinise | Hollywood Walk of Fame". www.walkoffame.com. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  19. ^ "Gary Sinise Gets Star for TV Work". NBC Southern California. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  20. ^ "Actor and Humanitarian Gary Sinise Selected as 2018 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal". October 30, 2017.
  21. ^ a b critic, Richard Christiansen, Chief. "STEPPENWOLF'S ODD COUPLE". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved September 27, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ "Amherst College Commencement: 2003 Honorary Degree Citations". Archived from the original on September 16, 2006. Retrieved January 3, 2008.
  23. ^ "New Recipients Of Presidential Citizen Medals". WBKO.com. December 10, 2008. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
  24. ^ "Gary Sinise In His Mission as The Messenger". Amici Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  25. ^ "Actor Gary Sinise describes his road to the Catholic Church". Catholic News Service. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
  26. ^ Carroll, Rory (June 13, 2017). "Club for Hollywood Republicans locked in dispute –". the Guardian. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  27. ^ Cieply, Michael; Confessore, Nicholas (January 22, 2014). "Leaning Right in Hollywood, Under a Lens". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  28. ^ "Nicole Kidman and 84 Others Stand United Against Terrorism Archived September 7, 2014, at the Wayback Machine" Hollywood Grind. August 18, 2006
  29. ^ "Gary Sinise's Federal Campaign Contribution Report". Archived from the original on September 16, 2008.
  30. ^ "Actor Gary Sinise floated as possible GOP savior". CNN. May 11, 2009.
  31. ^ Patten, Dominic. "Romney Eyes Hollywood Return After Successful Weekend Fundraiser". Deadline Hollywood.
  32. ^ @GarySinise (July 20, 2015). "Mr Trump, with all due respect, I fail to understand your motive in attacking Senator McCain by suggesting that he h…" (Tweet). Retrieved September 14, 2020 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ "Board of Directors" Archived November 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Hope for the Warriors. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
  34. ^ "OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck Read by Gary Sinise | Audiobook Review". AudioFile Magazine. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  35. ^ Rosprim, Thomas (August 27, 2012). "MCPON Names Gary Sinise Honorary Chief". Navy News Service NNS120827-07. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  36. ^ Seck, Hope Hodge (August 30, 2013). "Lt. Dan' Gary Sinise becomes newest honorary Marine". Marine Corps Times. Archived from the original on September 3, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013.
  37. ^ "Actor Gary Sinise becomes Honorary Marine". USMC - Marine Barracks Washington. August 30, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
  38. ^ "Families of Disabled Vets | National Memorial Day Concert". PBS. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
  39. ^ Sinise, Gary (March 2016). "Gary Sinise on Giving Back to Veterans". Guideposts. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
  40. ^ Warner, Kara (February 13, 2019). "Forrest Gump Star Gary Sinise Opens Up About Raising $30 Million Annually for Veterans". People. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
  41. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 20, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  42. ^ "TWS". Facebook.
  43. ^ "Gary Sinise to Receive 2015 Sylvanus Thayer Award". Westpointaog.org.
  44. ^ "Gary Reacts to Video of Tom Hanks, Robin Roberts and Others Thanking Him for His Humanitarian Work". YouTube. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  45. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (October 24, 2020). "Spike Lee at Location Managers Guild Awards: "God Willing We'll All Be Back Working Together"". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  46. ^ "WWI Veterans to be honored during online ceremony featuring Gary Sinise". U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. April 14, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  47. ^ "Gary Sinise - Awards". garysinisefoundation.org. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  48. ^ "United States Navy - Honorary Chief Petty Officer - Gary Sinise". NAVY.mil.
  49. ^ "Gary Sinise named an Honorary Marine". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  50. ^ "FDNY - Honorary Battalion Chief Gary Sinise". NYC.gov.
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