As a renowned actor known for his roles in hit films like Forrest Gump and TV shows like CSI: NY, Gary Sinise has spent decades in the spotlight. But in 2019, the 69-year-old star made the difficult decision to step away from Hollywood in order to focus on his family’s health.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Sinise revealed that both his wife, Moira Harris, and their son, McCanna “Mac” Anthony Sinise, were battling cancer at the same time. “We were in the cancer fight during that time,” he said. “My wife received a breast cancer diagnosis.” Within two months of each other, my son also received a diagnosis of this extremely rare cancer.”
The actor explained that his son’s diagnosis of chordoma, a rare form of spinal cancer, was “especially difficult.” As Mac’s condition worsened, Sinise said caring for him became a “full-time job.”
“Our son was fighting this cancer with no cure,” Sinise shared. “Trying to find drugs, doctors, or anybody else who could do anything for him was like a full-time job.” Plus, he became more and more disabled by the cancer as time went on. He needed more and more care.”
To be there for his family during this challenging time, Sinise decided to step away from his acting career. “I had to stop,” he said. With our situation, long-term travel away from family wasn’t possible.”
In 2021, Sinise and his family relocated from California to Nashville, Tennessee, a move he had previously attributed to the lack of state income tax. But the actor now reveals the real reason was to be closer to his loved ones in need.
Tragically, Sinise’s son Mac passed away in January 2023 at the age of 33. “As parents, it is so difficult losing a child,” the actor shared on the Gary Sinise Foundation website. “My heart goes out to all who have suffered a similar loss and to anyone who has lost a loved one.”
While navigating his son’s illness and eventual passing, Sinise says his wife Moira has since gone into remission and is now cancer-free. However, the family’s challenges didn’t end there. Around the same time, Sinise had to care for his stroke-stricken father.
“I had a lot on my plate,” Sinise acknowledged. Despite the immense hardship, the actor found solace in helping his son fulfill a lifelong dream. “He had achieved something that he set out to do, which was to record all this music and make a full album of it,” Sinise said. “That gave me a lot of joy, just watching him kind of enjoy those moments.”
In the wake of his family’s struggles, Sinise has not returned to acting full-time. However, he did make a couple of film appearances in 2020, including roles in 13 Reasons Why and Joe Bell.
As he and his family continue to grieve the loss of Mac, Sinise remains focused on supporting his loved ones and honoring his son’s memory. The actor recently released Resurrection & Revival: Part 2, a collection of his son’s music, fulfilling Mac’s final wish.
“He was happy at the end of his life,” Sinise said of his son. “That gave me a lot of joy just watching him kind of enjoy those moments.” Through this incredibly difficult chapter, Sinise has shown the power of family and the selfless love of a parent. His decision to step away from the spotlight in order to care for his loved ones is a testament to his character and the values he holds dear.