In 2018, Gary’s life took a harrowing turn when his son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called chordoma. The diagnosis came just two months after the actor’s wife, Moira, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The “Forrest Gump” star’s wife is an accomplished actress and graduate of Illinois State University. This is also incidentally where she met Gary during her college years. The pair married in 1981, and in his book, “Grateful American,” the actor shared that their wedding, though planned for years, happened without much fanfare — they didn’t even have rings at the time.
Gary Sinise made a surprising move years ago when he left Hollywood. After decades in the spotlight, the actor made a life-changing decision that reshaped his priorities and led him to embrace a quieter life. Gary Sinise, beloved for his role as Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump,” Detective Mac Taylor in “CSI: NY,” and other acclaimed performances, made the life-altering decision to leave Hollywood and step away from acting. From supporting his wife and late son through health battles to building a peaceful life centered on philanthropy, take a closer look at Gary’s journey over the years, including why he left Hollywood and where he is now.
The couple went on to welcome three children — Sophie, Mac, and Ella. Beyond motherhood, Moira enjoyed a notable career in the entertainment industry, starring in films such as “One More Saturday Night,” “Of Mice & Men,” and “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.” She also appeared in Disney’s “Tall Tale” in 1995 and delivered an Emmy-winning performance in “Murder in Green Meadows” in 1987.At one point, Moira was a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which Gary co-founded, and she made her mark in television as well. She appeared in shows like “Karen Sisco,” “The Equalizer,” and “Crime Story.”
She eventually stepped back from acting to focus on her family and philanthropic endeavors. In 2011, she joined the board of directors for the Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary and Moira’s partnership, spanning over 40 years, became a cornerstone of their resilience as a family. Reflecting on their long marriage, Gary credited their shared sense of humor for keeping their bond strong. “My wife’s a loving, funny, Irish-spirited person, and I’m still surprised at some of the things she says. She makes me laugh every day,” he said. Sadly, Moira and Mac’s battle against cancer consumed much of Gary’s energy.
To make matters worse, Gary’s father had recently suffered a stroke, leaving his mother in need of care. Faced with so many personal battles, he realized his priorities needed to shift. “[…] I kind of had my hands full,” the actor shared in an interview. Fortunately, Moira’s journey ended with a victory as she went into remission and became cancer-free. However, their son’s fight was far more challenging. Mac’s condition steadily worsened, leaving him increasingly disabled.