Gary Sinise (b. 1955)

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Biography

Gary Alan Sinise is an American actor. He has won a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and four Actor Awards, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. He has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Sinise has also received awards and honors for his extensive humanitarian work and involvement with charitable organizations, notably the Gary Sinise Foundation, of which he is the founder and chairman of the board of directors. He also founded the Lt. Dan Band, which plays at U.S. military bases around the world.

Timeline

The story of Gary Sinise, told in moments.

1974 Event

Co-founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in a church basement in Highland Park, Illinois. He was 18. John Malkovich joined soon after.

What was it like co-founding a theater in a church basement at 18? What drew Malkovich to you?

1992 Event

Directed and starred in Of Mice and Men opposite Malkovich. Sinise played George. The film was his love letter to Steinbeck.

Why was Of Mice and Men so personal? What does Steinbeck mean to you?

1994 Event

Played Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. The role earned him an Oscar nomination and permanently linked him to veterans' causes.

Did Lieutenant Dan change your life more than any other role? When did veterans' causes become personal?

2011 Legacy

Founded the Gary Sinise Foundation. He's built over 70 smart homes for severely wounded veterans. Performed over 500 concerts for troops with his Lt. Dan Band.

What drives someone to build 70 homes for wounded veterans? Is the foundation your real life's work?

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