Gary Sinise

Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor, director, and producer, widely recognized for his roles in “Forrest Gump” and “CSI: NY.” He is also a dedicated humanitarian, particularly committed to supporting U.S. service members, veterans, and first responders through the Gary Sinise Foundation. After co-founding the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 1974 with Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry, Gary Sinise quickly established himself in American theater. Operating initially from a church basement, the company grew into a respected cultural institution where Sinise honed his craft.

He earned an Obie Award in 1983 for directing Sam Shepard’s ‘True West,’ and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company received a Regional Theatre Tony Award in 1985. Sinise’s career expanded into Hollywood, directing ‘Crime Story’ (1987) and the feature film ‘Miles from Home’ (1988), starring Richard Gere. Sinise’s acting career gained significant public attention in the 1990s. In 1992, he starred in, directed, and produced the critically acclaimed film adaptation of John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men,’ playing George Milton opposite John Malkovich.

From 2004 to 2013, Sinise starred as Detective Mac Taylor in the CBS series ‘CSI: NY,’ also serving as a producer. Deepening his commitment to supporting U.S. service members and their families after the events of September 11, 2001, he formed the ‘Lt. Dan Band’ in 2003, performing for troops worldwide.

In 2020, Sinise received the Location Managers Guild Humanitarian award, continuing his unwavering advocacy and support through the Gary Sinise Foundation.