Gary Sinise Says Music ‘Rejuvenated’ Son Amid Health Battle
By Movieguide® Contributor
Gary Sinise is opening up about his son Mac Sinise’s new musical composition, a work he created while battling severe health issues.
“That’s what’s so inspirational about it,” Gary said of his son’s music. “Seeing him come alive again and rediscover something he thought was kind of a part of his past…[it] rejuvenated him so beautifully.”
“Mac is a composer and musician. He went to USC music school many years ago, and the past several years, he’s been dealing with some very serious health challenges,” he shared with Fox News.
Gary shared how connecting with an old college friend brought Mac’s music to the recording studio.
“He was a drummer and used to play, and he can’t do that anymore and kind of put that aside, and then he started listening to some old music that he had written back in school, and he connected with an old college friend, Oliver Schnee,” the actor said.
“[Mac] played it for Oliver who is also a composer and musician. Oliver fell in love with it, and they went to work on it to finish it, and they went into the studio this past summer, and it’s a beautiful piece,” Gary continued. “I hadn’t heard it until the day that they recorded it.”
Gary added that he hadn’t heard his son’s song “Arctic Circles” until the day Mac recorded it.
Host Raymond Arroyo said of Mac, “Despite [his health issues], he’s staying on mission, and he’s doing what he’s being called to do, and that to me is such an important note that I wanted to sound at the end of this show, that no matter what struggles we’re going through…you’ve got to stay on mission no matter what.”
Gary is best known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in FORREST GUMP. He currently spends his time serving veterans through his foundation. It aims to “serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Sinise’s work with veterans:
This holiday season, Gary Sinise expressed his gratitude for America’s servicemen and women.
“Supporting our nation’s heroes is my lifelong mission and I will continue to serve it faithfully,” Sinise shared. “It’s an honor to be recognized and the best part is that I get to, in turn, shine a light and recognize the true heroes who serve our country.”
In 2011, Sinise launched the Gary Sinise Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support and fundraising for veterans.
“The mission of the Gary Sinise Foundation is broad, and this is a reflection of the needs I’ve seen over the many years supporting so many amazing organizations,” the actor explained. “And the Foundation’s mission is designed to also give us the freedom and flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our veterans, first responders, and the families who sacrifice alongside them.”
