---
name: "Gary Sinise"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/gary-sinise"
fi1m_id: "gary-sinise"
imdb_id: "nm0000641"
tmdb_id: 33
wikidata_id: "Q180272"
roles: ["Actor","Director"]
born: "17 March 1955"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 6
average_fi1m_score: 65
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 6
updated: "2026-10-05T04:49:12.008789+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Gary Sinise

## Identity

Gary Sinise

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/gary-sinise
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** gary-sinise
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000641
- **TMDB ID:** 33
- **Wikidata ID:** Q180272
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Sinise, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180272, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000641/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/33

Actor and director. Born 17 March 1955 in Blue Island, Illinois, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Director
- **Born:** 17 March 1955, Blue Island, Illinois, USA
- **Active:** 1987–2006
- **Also known as:** Gary A. Sinise
- **Frequently works with:** [Brian Grazer](https://film.one/person/brian-grazer.md), [Ron Howard](https://film.one/person/ron-howard.md), [Tom Hanks](https://film.one/person/tom-hanks.md)
- **Golden Globes:** 1 Golden Globe (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 65, as actor, over 6 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 73 (4), 2000s 50 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 65 to 58 across 6 titles
- **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 5 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 3, Adventure 2, Comedy 2, Action 1, Animation 1, Crime 1
- **Screen time:** 13 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,941m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Sinise, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180272, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000641/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/33

## Streaming the US now

- **Netflix:** [*Apollo 13*](https://film.one/film/apollo-13.md) (84)
- **Apple TV:** [*Forrest Gump*](https://film.one/film/forrest-gump.md) (66)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Open Season*](https://film.one/film/open-season.md) (49)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Gary Sinise

> Gary Sinise is a convincing man to put in uniform, but we value him most when certainty gives way to anger. His supporting performances make difficult people credible without asking us to approve of them.

Lieutenant Dan Taylor's bitterness interrupts the comforts of *Forrest Gump* (1994). Sinise makes him credible without making him agreeable, which is the quality we value most in his work. We were moved by Dan's anger because the hurt behind it remains convincing even when he is difficult company. Our reservations about Robert Zemeckis's film remain: it runs too long and makes American history too reassuring. Sinise gives that reassuring story someone whose resentment cannot simply be dismissed as a failure to appreciate its hero.

Before that breakthrough, *Of Mice and Men* (1992) had put him on both sides of the camera, directing and playing George Milton opposite John Malkovich. The move from actor-director to a familiar supporting presence can look like a narrowing of opportunity; it tells us little about the quality of the acting. Sinise has described his approach plainly: "My stuff has always tended towards gut-level realism and aggressive, visceral acting." Lieutenant Dan is a persuasive example of what he means.

In Ron Howard's *Apollo 13* (1995), he plays Ken Mattingly; in Frank Darabont's *The Green Mile* (1999), Burt Hammersmith. Both also feature Tom Hanks, and both belong to the run of supporting parts that followed *Forrest Gump*. Reliability is useful in an ensemble, though it is a thin description of what makes Sinise worth watching. Against the warmth Hanks brings to Forrest, Dan's bitterness has weight, and Sinise does not need to make him pleasant to keep our interest. The film would be considerably easier to shrug off without him.

Nine seasons as detective Mac Taylor in *CSI: NY* (2004–2013) made sustained authority a larger part of his work. The frequency of soldiers and policemen among his roles can make his casting feel predictable, even when the acting is sound. We prefer him with some anger to work through and no obligation to make it attractive. Start with Lieutenant Dan, provided a fine supporting performance is enough to carry you through the film's soft account of American history.

## Biography

Gary Sinise is an American actor. He co-founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 1974. His stage work includes directing and starring in a production of *True West* for which he received an Obie Award.

Sinise starred as George Milton in the 1992 film *Of Mice and Men*, which he also directed and produced. He is known for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in *Forrest Gump* (1994), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Other film roles include appearances in *Apollo 13* (1995) and *The Green Mile* (1999). He has won a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards. He founded the Lt. Dan Band, which performs at military bases.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, garysinise.com, themoviedb.org.*

## On Fi1m (6)

- *Open Season* (2006), Fi1m 49, as Shaw (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/open-season.md)
- *Mission to Mars* (2000), Fi1m 50, as Jim McConnell — [page](https://film.one/film/mission-to-mars.md)
- *The Green Mile* (1999), Fi1m 73, as Burt Hammersmith — [page](https://film.one/film/the-green-mile.md)
- *Ransom* (1996), Fi1m 70, as Det. Jimmy Shaker — [page](https://film.one/film/ransom.md)
- *Apollo 13* (1995), Fi1m 84, as Ken Mattingly — [page](https://film.one/film/apollo-13.md)
- *Forrest Gump* (1994), Fi1m 66, as Lieutenant Dan Taylor — [page](https://film.one/film/forrest-gump.md)

## Complete filmography (76)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Gary* (2026), as Gary
- *The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph* (2026), as Narrator
- *Star Spangled Adventures - The Movie!* (2026), as Robert E. Lee (voice)
- *Brothers After War* (2025), Executive Producer
- *Saving Wrigley Field* (2021), as Narrator
- *Joe Bell* (2020), as Sheriff Westin
- *I Still Believe* (2020), as Tom Camp
- *SGT. Will Gardner* (2019), as Larry
- *Steve McQueen: American Icon* (2017), as Narrator (voice)
- *13 Reasons Why* (2017), series, as Robert Ellman
- *Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders* (2016), series, as Jack Garrett
- *Finding Noah* (2015), as narrator
- *Beyond Glory* (2015), Actor
- *Climb: The Rob Jones Journey Story* (2014), as Narrator (voice)
- *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* (2014), as The Smithsonian Narrator (voice) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/captain-america-the-winter-soldier.md)
- *A Game of Honor* (2011), as Narrator
- *Chicago Cubs: The Heart and Soul of Chicago* (2011), as Narrator (voice)
- *WWII in HD* (2009), series, as Narrator
- *Beyond All Boundaries* (2009), as Ernie Pyle
- *We Believe* (2009), as Narrator
- *Brothers at War* (2009), Executive Producer
- *When We Left Earth* (2008), as Narrator
- *Open Season* (2006), as Shaw (voice) — Fi1m 49, [page](https://film.one/film/open-season.md)
- *The Best of The Tony Awards: The Plays* (2006), as Randle P. McMurphy (segment "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest")
- *Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon* (2005), as Gene Cernan
- *Criminal Minds* (2005), series, as Jack Garrett — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/tv/criminal-minds.md)
- *The Forgotten* (2004), as Dr. Munce
- *CSI: NY* (2004), series, as Mac Taylor
- *The Big Bounce* (2004), as Ray Ritchie
- *Dennis Miller* (2004), series, Actor
- *The Human Stain* (2003), as Nathan Zuckerman
- *Path to War* (2003), as George Wallace
- *Fallen Angel* (2003), as Terry McQuinn
- *CSI: Miami* (2002), series, as Mac Taylor
- *A Gentleman's Game* (2002), as Foster Pearse
- *Hideous Man* (2002), as Hideous Man
- *Made-Up* (2002), as Duncan Tivey
- *Impostor* (2001), as Spencer Olham · Producer
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Mac Taylor
- *It's the Rage* (2000), as Morgan
- *Bruno* (2000), as Dino Battaglia
- *Mission to Mars* (2000), as Jim McConnell — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/mission-to-mars.md)
- *Reindeer Games* (2000), as Gabriel Mercer
- *The Green Mile* (1999), as Burt Hammersmith — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/the-green-mile.md)
- *That Championship Season* (1999), as Tom Daley · Executive Producer
- *Snake Eyes* (1998), as Kevin Dunne
- *Inside the Space Shuttle* (1998), as Gary Sinise (Voice)
- *George Wallace* (1997), as George C. Wallace
- *George Wallace* (1997), series, as George C. Wallace
- *Albino Alligator* (1997), as Milo
- *Ransom* (1996), as Det. Jimmy Shaker — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/ransom.md)
- *The West* (1996), series, as T. P. Eagan
- *Truman* (1995), as Harry S Truman
- *Apollo 13* (1995), as Ken Mattingly — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/apollo-13.md)
- *The Quick and the Dead* (1995), as Marshall
- *Forrest Gump* (1994), as Lieutenant Dan Taylor — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/forrest-gump.md)
- *The Stand* (1994), series, as Stu Redman
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Sid (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Jack the Bear* (1993), as Norman Strick
- *Of Mice and Men* (1992), as George Milton · Director, Producer
- *A Midnight Clear* (1992), as Vance 'Mother' Wilkins
- *The Witness* (1992), as Young Soldier
- *The Grapes of Wrath* (1991), as Tom Joad
- *The Final Days* (1989), as Richard Ben-Veniste
- *My Name Is Bill W.* (1989), as Ebby
- *Miles from Home* (1988), Director
- *China Beach* (1988), series, Director
- *thirtysomething* (1987), series, Director
- *Crime Story* (1986), series, as Howie Dressler · Director
- *Hunter* (1984), series, as Lord Tony Rutherford
- *Family Secrets* (1984), as Motorcyclist
- *True West* (1984), as Austin
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Austin, Tom Joad · Director
- *Knots Landing* (1979), series, as Lee Maddox
- *A Wedding* (1978), as Extra (uncredited)
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Ebb, Bill's best friend

## Gallery

- ![Gary Sinise](https://film.one/media/person/83832/gallery-f59dc246771c.jpg) Gary Sinise — U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Gary_Sinise_2011_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Gary Sinise of "The Lt. Dan Band" brought his band to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 28. The band played for a standing room only crowd at the base thea (2009)](https://film.one/media/person/83832/gallery-8a701021954c.jpg) Gary Sinise of "The Lt. Dan Band" brought his band to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 28. The band played for a standing room only crowd at the base thea (2009) — Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/%22The_Lt._Dan_Band%22_Rocks_Team_Osan_090628-F-2185F-001.jpg/1280px-%22The_Lt._Dan_Band%22_Rocks_Team_Osan_090628-F-2185F-001.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![120824-N-HG258-020 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) Musician 1st Class Shana Sullivan sings the National Anthem as actor Gary Sinise, center, and Fleet Master](https://film.one/media/person/83832/gallery-a751be71e53c.jpg) 120824-N-HG258-020 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) Musician 1st Class Shana Sullivan sings the National Anthem as actor Gary Sinise, center, and Fleet Master — United States Navy Band from Washington, D.C., USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/120824-N-HG258-020_%287872272536%29.jpg/1280px-120824-N-HG258-020_%287872272536%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![120824-N-HG258-085 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) Fleet Master Chief (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens, right, covers actor Gary Sinise, center, with a CPO combination ](https://film.one/media/person/83832/gallery-f9f797d19297.jpg) 120824-N-HG258-085 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) Fleet Master Chief (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens, right, covers actor Gary Sinise, center, with a CPO combination  — United States Navy Band from Washington, D.C., USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/120824-N-HG258-085_%287872269390%29.jpg/1280px-120824-N-HG258-085_%287872269390%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Gary Sinise](https://film.one/media/person/83832/gallery-5e487c8c15ae.jpg) Gary Sinise — Image via TMDB
- ![120824-N-HG258-108 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) Gary Sinise talks with bassist for the Cruisers, MU1 DeLima before the ceremony designating Sinise an Hono](https://film.one/media/person/83832/gallery-c43d40a4c619.jpg) 120824-N-HG258-108 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) Gary Sinise talks with bassist for the Cruisers, MU1 DeLima before the ceremony designating Sinise an Hono — United States Navy Band from Washington, D.C., USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/120824-N-HG258-108_%287872266314%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![120824-N-HG258-113 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) The Cruisers pose with actor Gary Sinise after a ceremony designating Sinise an Honorary Chief Petty Offic](https://film.one/media/person/83832/gallery-94b173dbbbeb.jpg) 120824-N-HG258-113 WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2012) The Cruisers pose with actor Gary Sinise after a ceremony designating Sinise an Honorary Chief Petty Offic — United States Navy Band from Washington, D.C., USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/120824-N-HG258-113_%287872268784%29.jpg/1280px-120824-N-HG258-113_%287872268784%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 0 won, 1 nominated

- 1995: Best Supporting Actor (nominated)

### Golden Globes — 1 won

- 1996: Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film (won), for *Truman*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won

- 1998: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *George Wallace*

### Other awards — 0 won, 3 nominated

- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 2001: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (nominated)
- Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play 1996: Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play (nominated)
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play 1990: Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (nominated)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/gary-sinise