Forrest Gump Star Gary Sinise's Son, Mac Sinise, Dies At 33
McCanna Anthony "Mac" Sinise, son of veteran actor and "Forrest Gump" star Gary Sinise, passed away at 33.
According to the Gary Sinise Foundation — a charity meant to help wounded veterans — Mac passed away on January 5, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Chordoma, an extremely rare form of bone cancer. In August 2018, Mac was tragically diagnosed with the cancer mere months after finding out his mother had stage 3 breast cancer. While Moira would eventually enter remission, Mac would be forced to undergo multiple spinal surgeries.
"Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can," Gary Sinise wrote on his foundation's website. "Our family's cancer fight lasted for 5 ½ years, and it became more and more challenging as time went on. 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." Sinise further praised his son's immense bravery, citing his love for movies and drawing parallels with the soldiers in the film "1917," before writing, "I am so blessed, fortunate, and proud to be his dad."
Gary Sinise bonded with his son through music, movies, and more
In a heartfelt tribute to his son, Gary Sinise highlighted the countless wonderful memories he and Mac had shared over the years. In early 2017, Sinise enlisted Mac's aid to help with the Gary Sinise Foundation. "I was thrilled and excited to have him come on board to help me with the mission" (per Gary Sinise Foundation). According to the Oscar-nominated actor, his son played a vital role in digitizing the foundation's archives while also managing the organization's Education & Outreach Center.
Sinise also made it a habit to call on his son to drum for his band, aptly named "Lt. Dan," whenever the group's drummer couldn't perform. " Those were some great times, father and son rockin' out together for the troops" (via Gary Sinise Foundation). Indeed, Mac's love for music ran far and ride. After losing his ability to play the drums and from the urging of his mother, Mac learned how to play the harmonica.
Throughout November 2023, Sinise writes that his son was surrounded by family and friends, recording and playing original work he wrote while covering some of his favorites. November 10, Mac's birthday, was filled with joy as Sinise joined in to play the cover for an American folk son his wife used to sing to Mac and his siblings. " That day was indeed a special day for the two of us" (per Gary Sinise Foundation).