Gary Sinise, the Oscar-nominated actor known for his roles in Forrest Gump and CSI: NY, is sharing the deeply personal reasons behind his decision to step away from Hollywood in 2021. At 69, Sinise explained that his time off was a necessary break as he and his family faced multiple battles with cancer.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sinise revealed that his family had been in the midst of an intense cancer struggle, which led him to leave Los Angeles and focus on his loved ones. “We were in the cancer fight during that time,” Sinise said.
His wife, Moira Harris, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, while his son, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, was diagnosed with a rare cancer known as Chordoma. This form of cancer, which affects the spine and base of the skull, presented a challenging and uncertain future.
Mac’s diagnosis in August 2018 was particularly difficult for the family, as Chordoma is known to be difficult to treat. Tragically, Mac passed away earlier this year at the age of 33. “The cancer fight for Mac was especially difficult because he was fighting this cancer with no cure,” Sinise shared.
“And trying to find drugs and doctors… was like a full-time job.” As Mac’s condition worsened, Sinise also had to care for his mother, who was alone after his father had suffered a stroke.
While his wife, Harris, was able to go into remission and is now cancer-free, Sinise reflected on the profound sorrow of losing a child. “As parents, it is so difficult losing a child,” he said. “My heart goes out to all who have suffered a similar loss, and to anyone who has lost a loved one.”
Despite the heartache, Sinise finds solace in knowing that Mac was at peace in his final days. “Mac was happy at the end of his life,” Sinise explained. “He had achieved something that he had set out to do, which was to record all this music and make a full album.”
Sinise first shared the heartbreaking news of Mac’s death on the Gary Sinise Foundation’s website in January, and in his message, he spoke about the pain of the loss and the strength his family found throughout the ordeal. “Our family’s cancer fight lasted for 5 ½ years, and it became more and more challenging as time went on,” he wrote.
“While our hearts ache at missing him, we are comforted in knowing that Mac is no longer struggling, and inspired and moved by how he managed it. He fought an uphill battle against a cancer that has no cure, but he never quit trying.”
Sinise has used his public platform to share his grief and to honor Mac’s resilience. “Mac was truly a light for all of us,” he said, reflecting on his son’s strength. Sinise’s family, which includes his two daughters, Sophie and Ella, continues to navigate life without Mac, but his memory remains a guiding light.
Beyond his role as a beloved actor, Sinise has garnered recognition for his work in television, film, and theater, with notable accolades such as an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award. He also founded the Gary Sinise Foundation, which honors veterans and their families, and continues to be involved in philanthropic efforts.
Through his personal struggles and triumphs, Sinise’s openness about his family’s challenges offers a glimpse into the private battles that many face, and he hopes his story will shed light on the hardships that others may be experiencing.