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. Gary appeared on screen with his spouse, Moira Harris, in "Crime Story" (1986), portraying a married couple. Moira had a small role in Miles from Home (1988), 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 (1992). Children: Sophie Ana Sinise (b. 1988), McCanna Anthony Sinise (b. 1990), Ella Jane Sinise (b. 1992). Gary Sinise was born on March 17, 1955. In the movie Apollo 13 (1995), Gary Sinise played original Apollo 13 pilot, Kenneth Mattingly. Mattingly was born on March 17, 1936. Was considered for the starring role in To Live and Die in L.A. (1985). When he didn't get the part, he recommended that the producers hire William Petersen, which they did. Ironically, he is currently the star of "CSI: NY" (2004), the spin-off of Petersen's successful TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (2000). 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 (1991) (TV); 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." Shares a birthday with Rob Lowe, with whom he co-starred in "The Stand" (1994). While most of the "CSI: NY" (2004) 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. Performed in a band called "Half Day Road" as a teen. Band broke up before their first album "Half Day Road" could be recorded. On December 10, 2008, was awarded the United States of America Presidential Citizens Medal (which was established on November 13, 1969 to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation. The medal is bestowed by the President and may be conferred posthumously. The Presidential Citizens Medal is one of the highest honors the President can confer upon a civilian, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.) for his work with the USO and Operation Iraqi Children. He was nominated for a 1981 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for "Balm in Gilead" at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. He was nominated for a 1984 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for "Tracers" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. He was awarded the 1996 Joseph Jefferson Award for Director of a Play for "Buried Child" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. Lives in Calabasas, California.