Gary Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois. His family later moved to Highland Park, where he attended high school. He was something of a rebel, playing in bands but paying little attention to school. Gary and some friends tried out for "West Side Story" as a lark, but Gary was hooked on acting for life by closing night. Gary credits his love for theatre to his drama teacher, Barbara Patterson. In 1974, Gary, Terry Kinney, and Jeff Perry founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Initially performing in a church basement, the company grew and gained stature in the Chicago area. In addition to acting in many plays, Gary also directed some of Steppenwolf's most notable productions, including Sam Shepard's "True West". The company made its off-Broadway debut with that production, starring Gary and 'John Malkovich' and its Broadway debut with "The Grapes of Wrath" at the Cort Theatre in 1990.. Gary's Hollywood career also started in the director's chair with two episodes of the stylish TV series Crime Story followed in 1988 by the feature Miles from Home starring Richard Gere. Gary's first feature film as an actor was the World War II fable A Midnight Clear in 1992. That year also found Gary combining his acting and directing talents with the critically acclaimed Of Mice and Men. His first real notice by the public came in 1994, however. He starred in the blockbuster miniseries The Stand, rapidly followed by his bravura performance as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump. His portrayal of the disabled, emotionally tortured veteran earned Gary numerous awards and an Oscar nomination. Busy 1994 was followed by busy 1995, first reuniting with Tom Hanks in Apollo 13 and then starring in the HBO film Truman which earned him the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards and an Emmy nomination. Gary is married to Moira Harris, an actress and original member of the Steppenwolf company. They have three children, Sophie, McCanna, and Ella. Gary's father is the film editor Robert L. Sinise, A.C.E.
His Steppenwolf theater company, started by high-school grads in a Catholic-school basement, is now an institution housed in an $8 million theater. Nominated for a Tony Award for directing a new version of Sam Shepard's "Buried Child". [1996] Gary appeared on screen with spouse Moira Harris in Crime Story, portraying a married couple. Moira had a small role in Miles from Home, the first feature Gary directed, but Moira's role was left on the cutting-room floor. Moira appeared as the Girl in the Red Dress in Of Mice and Men. Son of Robert L. Sinise. Children: Sophie (b. 1988), McCanna (b. 1990), Ella (b. 1992). Won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a mini-series or dramatic special for portraying George Wallace the very night the real George Wallace died. Gary Sinise was born March 17, 1955. In the movie Apollo 13, Gary Sinise played original Apollo 13 pilot, Ken Mattingly. Ken Mattingly was born March 17, 1936. Received his first college degree in 2003 - an honorary degree from Amherst College. Plays the Mission Control Commander in Walt Disney World's new Mission: Space attraction. Was considered for the starring role in To Live and Die in L.A.. When he didn't get the part, he recommended that the producers hire William L. Petersen, which they did. Ironically, he is currently the star of CSI: NY, the spin-off of Petersen's successful TV series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In 1997, played George Wallace in George Wallace. He reprised the role, uncredited, in Path to War. Has been nominated for Tony Awards three times: in 1990, as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play), for portraying Tom Joad in "The Grapes of Wrath," a role he recreated in the television version of the same title, The Grapes of Wrath; in 1996, as Best Director for a revival of Sam Shepard's "Buried Child;" and in 2001 as Best Actor (Play), for portraying Randle McMurphy in a revival of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Kimo Williams first worked with Gary as composer for a Steppenwolf production of Streetcar Named Desire. After learning of Gary's talents on the bass, Kimo encouraged him to do more playing, and over the years they enjoyed the occasional jam session. As Gary began what has turned out to be an extraordinary commitment to the USO, these jams eventually led to gigs in the Chicago area, gathering local talent and performing for troops and their families. Shares a birthday with Rob Lowe, with whom he co-starred in The Stand. Founded Operation Iraqi Children (www.operationiraqichildren.org) in early 2004 with "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" author Laura Hillenbrand. While most of the CSI: NY cast is from New York, Sinise is one of three exceptions. The others are Melina Kanakaredes (who was born in Ohio) and Anna Belknap (who was born in Maine). However, Sinise, Belknap and Kanakaredes have all lived in NY at some point in time. The two episodes of Crime Story that he directed are the only times he has been credited as "Gary A. Sinise." Performed in a band called "Half Day Road" as a teen. Band broke up before their first album "Half Day Road" could be recorded.