Where do Gary's good looks come from?  Here you go - 
Gary's Mom and Dad, Bob and Millie Sinise. 

Photo courtesy Bob Sinise.

Birthday and place: March 17, 1955; Blue Island, Illinois

Family: Gary's father is Robert L. Sinise. He is a professional editor who works in both television and film. Among other credits, he edited Of Mice and Men, the second film Gary directed. Gary's the oldest of three kids - he has a younger brother and sister, and is an uncle four times over.

Raised: Highland Park, Illinois. Gary attended Highland Park High School, playing in garage rock and roll bands. His first acting role was in a high school production of West Side Story. He is still in touch with his high school drama teacher, Barbara Patterson.


Gary as a rocker in high school.
Spouse: Gary has been married to actress Moira Harris since 1981. Moira was one of the early participants in the Steppenwolf Theatre Co. You can see Moira in a cameo at the beginning of Of Mice and Men, among other roles.


Gary and Moira Sinise.

Children: Gary and Moira have three children, (l to r): Sophie, Mac, and Ella:





(Photos courtesy Moira Sinise.)

Professional Milestones:

  • 1973 - Professional stage debut: The Physicist (at age 17).
  • 1974 - Co-founded Chicago's acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Co. First performances took place in church basement in Highland Park, Ill.
  • 1982 - Directs True West Off-Broadway in New York; wins Obie Award
  • 1984 - First major TV appearance: recreating stage role in True West opposite John Malkovich on PBS' American Playhouse.
  • 1987 - TV directing debut on CBS' Crime Story.
  • 1988 - Starred in Steppenwolf touring production of The Grapes of Wrath.
  • 1988 - Feature film directing debut - Miles from Home.
  • 1992 - Feature film acting debut - A Midnight Clear.
  • 1992 - First film as producer, also first leading role in a film - Of Mice and Men.
  • 1994 - First Academy Award nomination, for Best Supporting Actor in Forrest Gump.
  • 1995 - First Golden Globe Award, for Best Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries in Truman.
  • 1996 - Tony Award nomination for Best Director for Buried Child.