‘Forrest Gump’ Star Gary Sinise Opens Up About Why He Retreated From Hollywood Before His Son Passed Away At 33

Nov 29, 2024 by apost team

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Gary Sinise is an acclaimed American actor, director, musician, and philanthropist, born on Mar. 17, 1955, in Blue Island, Illinois. Gary has had a diverse acting career spanning several decades, with a wide range of film, television and theater roles showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.

However, his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump” catapulted Gary into the national spotlight. His portrayal of the disabled Vietnam War veteran earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and the character became one of the most memorable in modern cinema. Gary’s performance in “Forrest Gump” was not only a career highlight but also a role that would shape his future philanthropic efforts.

Following “Forrest Gump,” Gary continued taking on diverse roles in film and television. He starred in the movie “Apollo 13” and the miniseries “Truman,” for which he won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Harry S. Truman. Gary also became known for his role as Detective Mac Taylor in the TV series “CSI: NY,” which he starred in from 2004 to 2013.

Beyond his acting career, Gary is renowned for his commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. Motivated by his role in “Forrest Gump,” he founded the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011. The foundation provides a range of programs and services, including home modifications for wounded veterans, entertainment for troops and support for children of fallen soldiers. Gary’s work with veterans has earned him many accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008.

In 1981, Gary married Moira Harris, an actress he met while working in the theater scene. Together, they had three children: Sophie, McCanna, and Ella Sinise. However, the doting father of three left his acting career in 2019 to focus on his family after learning that his wife and son were diagnosed with cancer. Keep reading to learn more about Gary and his family. 

Gary’s contributions to the arts and his philanthropic efforts have made him a respected and beloved figure. His passion for helping those who serve reflects the depth of his character, both on and off the screen. Gary’s legacy is not only that of a talented actor but also as a dedicated advocate for veterans and a true American patriot.

Gary is also a loving father who suffered through one of the most devastating tragedies that could ever befall a parent: the loss of a child. On Jan. 5, 2024, Gary and his family mourned the loss of his only son, McCanna Sinise, who passed away at the age of 33 after a five-year-long battle with a rare form of cancer called chordoma. 

Gary paid tribute to his beloved son both on Instagram and on the Gary Sinise Foundation website, where he posted his beautiful and heartbreaking recollection of his son’s experience. He recalled that 2018 was a challenging year for his family. Not only was McCanna, whom they affectionately called “Mac,” diagnosed with the rare bone cancer that year, but Gary’s wife, Harris, was also diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. To Gary, the two diagnoses felt like a “real punch in the gut,” but after rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, Harris’ cancer went into remission. 

As for McCanna, chordoma proved to be a far more debilitating disease to fight. The rare form of cancer that originates in the spine affects only 300 Americans a year. McCanna underwent surgery to remove the initial tumor in September 2018, but by the following year, scans showed the cancer was still spreading.

As chordoma tumors grow, they can press on the spine, brain and nerves and cause pain and mobility issues. Thus, the cancer left McCanna paralyzed from the chest down. 

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Even as he battled the cancer that had robbed him of his mobility, McCanna continued to pursue his passions. A graduate of the USC Thornton School of Music, McCanna used to play various instruments and compose music. Gary recounted that McCanna even regularly subbed in as the drummer for his band, the Lt. Dan Band. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Gary said he still had limited use of his right arm and fingers on his left hand. With the help of family and friends, McCanna could record an entire album called “Resurrection & Revival,” in which he even played the harmonica. 

On Dec. 30, 2023, the Sinises took McCanna to the hospital after he had trouble breathing. They did not know that this would be his last trip there. Gary stayed by his son’s bedside until Jan. 5, 2024, when McCanna passed surrounded by loved ones.

“Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can. As parents, it is so difficult losing a child. My heart goes out to all who have suffered a similar loss, and to anyone who has lost a loved one,” Gary wrote, adding that he felt “so blessed, fortunate, and proud to be his dad.”

He described McCanna as an “incredible inspiration to those who knew and loved him, he faced his battle with grace, courage, and love,” who “gave his family and friends so much during his 33 years, and he accomplished great things in those final months.” Lastly, Gary wrote:

“We were blessed to have you in our lives as son, brother, and friend...and we will miss you and love you for eternity.” 

Gary explained why he had to leave Hollywood in 2019 after learning the diagnoses of his wife and son. 

“My wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer. My son was diagnosed with this very rare cancer … within two months of each other,” he told Fox News Digital in November 2024. “My dad had just had a stroke, and my mom was alone, and I had to … take care of her. … I kind of had my hands full.”

Gary went on to recall the daunting time that his son had gone through after being diagnosed with chordoma. 

“Our son was fighting this cancer with no cure. Trying to find drugs and doctors or anybody that could do anything for him was like a full-time job. Plus, he became more and more disabled by the cancer as time went on. … He needed more and more care,” Gary added. 

Despite everything that he had to endure, Gary has remained unwaveringly strong. His wife’s cancer went into remission, and she is now considered cancer-free. The actor also decided to step away from the bustle of Hollywood and relocate to Nashville, Tennessee. 

According to Gary, his move to relocate to Nashville was motivated by the idea of not paying for state income tax and moving closer to his band,  Lt. Dan Band. 

In an interview in September 2024, he also expressed his appreciation for his new home, saying:

“I’m glad to be here. I love it. I love the state.”

Aside from these, Gary’s quieter life in Nashville allowed him to focus more on his philanthropic work as the founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation. He also had time to immerse himself in the local culture and help his community. 

Are you a fan of Gary Sinise? What can you say about his decision to move to Nashville to take care of his family? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other Gary Sinise fans out there!