Gary Sinise

Gary Alan Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois, to Mylles S. (Alsip) and 'Robert L. Sinise' (qv), A.C.E., a film editor. He is of Italian (from his paternal grandfather), English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, and Swedish ancestry. His family moved to Highland Park, where he attended high school. He was something of a rebel, playing in bands but paying little attention to school.Gary and some friends tried out for "West Side Story" as a lark, but Gary was hooked on acting for life by closing night. Gary credits his love for theatre to his drama teacher, Barbara Patterson. In 1974, Gary, 'Terry Kinney' (qv), and 'Jeff Perry' (qv) founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Initially performing in a church basement, the company grew and gained stature in the Chicago area. In addition to acting in many plays, Gary also directed some of Steppenwolf's most notable productions, including 'Sam Shepard' (qv)'s "True West". The company made its off-Broadway debut with that production, starring Gary and 'John Malkovich' (qv), and its Broadway debut with "The Grapes of Wrath" at the Cort Theatre in 1990. Gary's Hollywood career also started in the director's chair with two episodes of the stylish TV series _Crime Story (1986)_ (qv), followed in 1988 by the feature _Miles from Home (1988)_ (qv) starring 'Richard Gere' (qv). Gary's first feature film as an actor was the World War II fable _A Midnight Clear (1992)_ (qv) in 1992. That year also found Gary combining his acting and directing talents with the critically acclaimed _Of Mice and Men (1992)_ (qv). His first real notice by the public came in 1994, however. He starred in the blockbuster miniseries _The Stand (1994)_ (qv), rapidly followed by his bravura performance as "Lt. Dan" in _Forrest Gump (1994)_ (qv). His portrayal of the disabled, emotionally tortured veteran earned Gary numerous awards and an Oscar nomination. Busy 1994 was followed by busy 1995, first reuniting with 'Tom Hanks' (qv) in _Apollo 13 (1995)_ (qv) and then starring in the HBO film _Truman (1995)_ (qv) which earned him the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild 'Awards' (qv) and an Emmy nomination.Gary is married to 'Moira Sinise' (qv), an actress and original member of the Steppenwolf company. They have three children, 'Sophie Sinise' (qv), 'McCanna Anthony Sinise' (qv) and 'Ella Sinise' (qv).::Lynn <lynnishmail-misc@yahoo.com>