Gary Sinise is honoring his late son McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, who died Jan. 5 from a rare form of cancer called chordoma. He was 33.
The actor, famous for his roles in “Forrest Gump,” “Apollo 13,” “The Green Mile” and “CSI NY,” posted a photo of his son on Instagram Tuesday, with text over the photo that read, “In Honor & Memory of McCanna ‘Mac’ Sinise 1990-2024.”
In the caption, the “Of Mice and Men” star directed his followers to the Gary Sinise Foundation website to read his heartfelt tribute to Mac.
“Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can,” he wrote in the tribute. “As parents, it is so difficult losing a child. My heart goes out to all who have suffered a similar loss, and to anyone who has lost a loved one. We’ve all experienced it in some way. Over the years I have met so many families of our fallen heroes. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s just damn hard.”
He noted that his son’s battle with cancer lasted five and a half years, adding that “it became more and more challenging as time went on.”
The actor said his son was diagnosed in 2018, the same year his wife Moira Harris was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, but she is now cancer-free after months of treatment.
“While our hearts ache at missing him, we are comforted in knowing that Mac is no longer struggling, and inspired and moved by how he managed it,” he continued. “He fought an uphill battle against a cancer that has no cure, but he never quit trying.”
“I am so blessed, fortunate, and proud to be his dad,” he added.
Chordoma is a slow-growing cancer of tissue found inside the spine, according to the National Cancer Institute, which states that 1 in 1 million people worldwide are diagnosed with the disease each year.
Also known as notochordal sarcoma, it is most often found near the tailbone (called a sacral tumor) or where the spine meets the skull (called a clival tumor). The average survival is around 10 years after diagnosis depending on where the tumor is and how much can be removed by surgery, according to the NCI.
Editor’s Picks
In his tribute this week, Gary Sinise also spoke about Mac Sinise’s zest for life, his contribution to his foundation — which works to create and support programs that help “defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need,” according to its website — and his son’s passion for music (he completed a full album titled “Mac Sinise: Resurrection and Revival,” prior to his death).
Gary Sinise said he also hopes that by sharing his family’s story, it will “shine a little bit of light on what has been a difficult time for us,” adding that Mac Sinise “was truly a light for all of us.”
“An incredible inspiration to those who knew and loved him, he faced his battle with grace, courage, and love,” he continued. “Even with one setback after another, he never stopped living and learning, creating, and giving, and loving.”
Gary Sinise concluded the message with a note to his son, writing, “We were blessed to have you in our lives as son, brother, and friend…and we will miss you and love you for eternity.”
In addition to Mac, Gary Sinise is also a father to two other children, daughters Sophie and Ella.
Gary Sinise, the acclaimed actor and philanthropist, recently paid tribute to his late son Mac, who tragically passed away from cancer at the young age of 33. Sinise, best known for his roles in films such as Forrest Gump and TV shows like CSI: NY, has always been a private person when it comes to his personal life. However, in a recent interview, he opened up about the profound impact that his son’s passing had on him and how he continues to honor his memory.
Mac Sinise was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his early twenties. Despite undergoing various treatments and surgeries, the cancer ultimately proved to be too aggressive, and Mac passed away in 2012. Gary Sinise has spoken openly about the pain of losing his son and how it has shaped his perspective on life and his work.
In honor of Mac’s memory, Gary Sinise has dedicated much of his time and resources to supporting cancer research and treatment. He is a vocal advocate for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which work tirelessly to find cures for this devastating disease. Sinise has also established his own foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, which provides support to veterans, first responders, and their families.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Gary Sinise has found solace in his work as an actor. He has continued to take on challenging roles that allow him to explore themes of loss, grief, and resilience. Sinise has said that acting has been a form of therapy for him, helping him to process his emotions and find meaning in the face of tragedy.
Despite the pain of losing his son, Gary Sinise remains grateful for the time he had with Mac and the lessons he learned from their relationship. He has said that Mac’s spirit continues to inspire him every day, pushing him to be a better person and make a positive impact on the world.
In conclusion, Gary Sinise’s tribute to his late son Mac serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between a parent and child, even in the face of unimaginable loss. Through his advocacy work and his dedication to honoring Mac’s memory, Sinise has shown that love transcends death and that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
