Gary Sinise, well-known for his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, made a significant life change when he left Los Angeles in 2021 to prioritize his family’s health. Multiple members of his family, including his wife and son, were battling cancer at the time, prompting the actor to pause his Hollywood career.
Sinise moved to Nashville, a choice influenced by Tennessee’s lack of state income tax and its proximity to his band, the Lt. Dan Band. His decision to step away from Hollywood, however, was primarily driven by family obligations.
In 2019, Sinise began putting his career on hold as he faced pressing family health issues, “My wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer. My son was diagnosed with this very rare cancer … within two months of each other. 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.”
While Sinise’s wife went into remission and is now cancer-free, he shared that his son’s cancer fight was “especially difficult” as he fought for his life. Sinise’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
A Heartbreaking Loss: Sinise’s Son Mac Succumbs to Cancer
Sinise’s son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, was diagnosed in 2018 with chordoma, a rare spine-originating cancer affecting only around 300 people annually in the U.S. As the disease progressed, Mac required increasing levels of care, and Sinise found himself searching for doctors and treatment options.
“Our son was battling an incurable cancer,” Sinise shared with deep emotion. “Searching for medications, specialists, or anyone who might offer hope became a full-time commitment. As the disease progressed, it took a greater toll on him, leaving him increasingly disabled and in need of constant care.”
“Trying to find drugs and doctors or anybody that could do anything for him was like a full-time job,” Sinise revealed. Despite these efforts, Mac sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 33.
Before his passing, Mac completed an album titled Resurrection & Revival: Part 2, which was posthumously released on what would have been his 34th birthday, November 10.
Sinise spoke emotionally about his son’s joy in completing the album, saying, “He achieved something he set out to do…that gave me a lot of joy, just watching him enjoy those moments.”
The father-son musical duo performed several times together prior to Mac’s death. Sinise reflected on the special moments with Fox News Digital.
“He’s just an exceptional drummer. He’s really solid, so solid, and it was always so much fun to play with him … he just had a natural talent.”
Founding the Gary Sinise Foundation to Support Veterans
Sinise has long been known for his dedication to supporting veterans and first responders. He founded the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 to provide aid through various programs aimed at strengthening and educating communities. His band, the Lt. Dan Band, named in homage to his Forrest Gump character, regularly performs for troops and at charity events.
Reflecting on Forrest Gump and 30 Years of Lt. Dan’s Legacy
As Forrest Gump celebrated its 30th anniversary, Sinise looked back on the iconic role that brought him fame. Playing Lt. Dan alongside Tom Hanks, Sinise shared that while filming was both challenging and rewarding, none of the cast anticipated the movie’s cultural impact.
Forrest Gump ultimately won six Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a classic. Sinise has maintained friendships with cast members, including Mykelti Williamson, who played “Bubba,” and they remain close, bonding over shared experiences like golf.
With a focus now on his family and his charity, Gary Sinise’s career shift showcases his dedication to the people and causes that matter most to him. Through his foundation and the legacy of his son’s music, Sinise continues to inspire others, bringing the same passion and commitment that he once poured into his Hollywood career.
