Why “CSI” Star Gary Sinise, Whose Son Died at 33, Left Hollywood

Gary Sinise, beloved for his role as Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump,” Detective Mac Taylor in “CSI: NY,” and other acclaimed performances, made the life-altering decision to leave Hollywood and step away from acting.

From supporting his wife and late son through health battles to building a peaceful life centered on philanthropy, take a closer look at Gary’s journey over the years, including why he left Hollywood and where he is now.

Why Gary Sinise Stepped Away from Hollywood

In 2018, Gary’s life took a harrowing turn when his son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer called chordoma. The diagnosis came just two months after the actor’s wife, Moira, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The “Forrest Gump” star’s wife is an accomplished actress and graduate of Illinois State University. This is also incidentally where she met Gary during her college years.

The pair married in 1981, and in his book, “Grateful American,” the actor shared that their wedding, though planned for years, happened without much fanfare — they didn’t even have rings at the time.

The couple went on to welcome three children — Sophie, Mac, and Ella. Beyond motherhood, Moira enjoyed a notable career in the entertainment industry, starring in films such as “One More Saturday Night,” “Of Mice & Men,” and “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.”

She also appeared in Disney’s “Tall Tale” in 1995 and delivered an Emmy-winning performance in “Murder in Green Meadows” in 1987.

At one point, Moira was a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which Gary co-founded, and she made her mark in television as well. She appeared in shows like “Karen Sisco,” “The Equalizer,” and “Crime Story.”

She eventually stepped back from acting to focus on her family and philanthropic endeavors. In 2011, she joined the board of directors for the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Gary and Moira’s partnership, spanning over 40 years, became a cornerstone of their resilience as a family. Reflecting on their long marriage, Gary credited their shared sense of humor for keeping their bond strong.

“My wife’s a loving, funny, Irish-spirited person, and I’m still surprised at some of the things she says. She makes me laugh every day,” he said. Sadly, Moira and Mac’s battle against cancer consumed much of Gary’s energy.

To make matters worse, Gary’s father had recently suffered a stroke, leaving his mother in need of care. Faced with so many personal battles, he realized his priorities needed to shift. “[…] I kind of had my hands full,” the actor shared in an interview.

Fortunately, Moira’s journey ended with a victory as she went into remission and became cancer-free. However, their son’s fight was far more challenging. Mac’s condition steadily worsened, leaving him increasingly disabled.

“Our son was fighting this cancer with no cure,” Gary said. “Trying to find drugs and doctors or anybody that 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.”

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the actor remained committed to being by his family’s side. His dedication led him to put his acting career on hold indefinitely. “I had to stop traveling away from my family while their lives were on the line,” he explained.

Then, earlier this year, Gary faced an unimaginable loss when Mac passed away at 33 after his long battle with chordoma. The tragedy left an indelible mark on the family, but Gary found solace in sharing his son’s music with the world.

Before his passing, Mac had recorded a full album, “Resurrection & Revival: Part 2,” which was posthumously released on November 10 — a date that would have marked his 34th birthday. “This has been a real labor of very deep love,” Gary reflected.

“Because a lot of this music, I was not even aware that he had it until I discovered it on…his files,” he added. Mac, a graduate of USC Thornton School of Music, had a deep passion for drumming, composition, and songwriting.

Despite his physical challenges, which eventually left him unable to play instruments like the drums or piano, he continued to create remarkable music. He also collaborated with his father on several performances.

Gary spoke fondly of their time together, saying, “He’s just an exceptional drummer. He’s really solid, so solid, and it was always so much fun to play with him…he just had a natural talent.”

In addition to his musical pursuits, Mac served as the assistant manager of education and outreach for the Gary Sinise Foundation. He stepped down in 2020 to focus on his health, undergoing extensive rehabilitation and preparing for a fifth spinal surgery.

Gary reflected on the beauty of Mac’s work, noting how his son contributed music for films, documentaries, and even his father’s charity.

“I will say this about Mac and the album that he made last year — he had achieved something that he set out to do, which was to record all this music in May and make a full album of it…that gave me a lot of joy…just watching him kind of enjoy those moments,” he stated.

Gary’s decision to step back from Hollywood was not only driven by the practical need to support his family but also by the immense love and commitment he has for them.

The actor and his family’s decision to move further provided a more peaceful environment for their healing but also brought financial benefits.

A New Life in Tennessee

In 2021, Gary and his family decided to relocate. After decades of living in California and enjoying much success on the Hollywood acting scene, they decided it was time for a change.

In April 2022, Gary revealed during his appearance on Fox News that the move was a “family decision” after years in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Gary explained that he began looking into states that might offer a better pace of life for his family.

After much consideration, they decided on Nashville, Tennessee, a city known for its strong sense of community and cultural vibrancy. Proximity to his Lt. Dan Band and a community aligned with his values further solidified the decision.

In September 2024, Gary reflected on his life in Tennessee during an interview. When asked how the state was treating him, he didn’t hesitate to express his gratitude, “I’m glad to be here. I love it. I love the state.”

The transition to Tennessee also allowed the actor to focus on his philanthropic work with the Gary Sinise Foundation. The organization, dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders, continued to thrive as Gary became more involved with his local community.

Gary Sinise’s decision to leave Hollywood and relocate to Tennessee was driven by his unwavering devotion to his family during their most challenging times. The actor’s move marked a fresh start, allowing him to prioritize what truly matters: family, community, and making a difference.