Although this intense actor was almost 30 when he made his television debut, he had been honing his craft for years on stage as a founding member of the critically acclaimed Chicago-based Steppenwolf Theater Company. In fact, his small-screen acting break,
True West, which aired on PBS, was just a videotape of a production he had mounted. Sinise alternated between directing and acting before settling on the latter in the '90s, playing key supporting roles in numerous Hollywood blockbusters (
Forrest Gump,
Apollo 13,
The Green Mile). But after a succession of flops, Sinise turned to the tube in 2004 to star in his first TV series,
CSI: NY.
Gary Sinise Fast Facts:
- Made professional stage debut in The Physicist at age 17.
- At age 18 was one of the cofounders of the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago in 1974, serving at various times as artistic director.
- Directed episodes of NBC's Crime Story (1987) and ABC's thirtysomething (1989).
- Formed the band the Bonsoir Boys in which he played bass and sang. Also played bass for the Lt. Dan Band, a group named after his role in Forrest Gump.
- Received an honorary degree (Doctor of Humane Letters) from Amherst College in 2003.
- Founded Operation Iraqi Children with author Laura Hillenbrand in 2004; the program sends school supplies to the children of Iraq.
- Has won various awards including the Obie, National Board of Review, Actor for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Motion Picture; Chicago Film Critics Commitment to Chicago prize, Joseph Jefferson Award, CableACE Award.
- Gary Sinise Relationships:
- Ella Sinise - Daughter
- McCanna Sinise - Son
- Millie Sinise - Mother
- Moira Harris - Wife
- Robert L. Sinise - Father
- Sophie Sinise - Daughter
- Gary Sinise Awards:
- 1998 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie - Winner
- 1996 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor for a Miniseries or a Special - Nominee
- 1996 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Winner
- 1998 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 1995 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Nominee
- 1996 Tony: Director (Play) - Nominee
- 1994 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Nominee
- 1990 Tony: Actor (Featured Role--Play) - Nominee
- 1996 Tony: Play - Nominee
- 2001 Tony: Actor (Play) - Nominee
