Camilla Jessen
After stepping away from acting to care for his son, the Forrest Gump star says he may return to the screen.
Gary Sinise, the celebrated actor best known for his roles in Forrest Gump and Apollo 13, has revealed he may be ready to return to acting after a five-year break from Hollywood.
Now 70 years old, Sinise stepped back from the spotlight in 2019 to focus on his family after his son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare and aggressive spinal cancer.
Mac tragically passed away in 2024.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Sinise reflected on the decision to step away and how his longtime role on CSI: NY helped provide stability during a difficult chapter in his life.
“It’s all about timing, and it’s all about the project and the people that would be involved in it,” he said. “I can kind of be selective about what I’m doing in life.”
Life After Loss
Sinise has not taken on any major film or television roles since leaving CSI: NY but has remained active in his own way, from occasional narration work to public speaking engagements that allow him to stay close to home.
“I’m not out there pounding the pavement right now,” he said to the New York Post. “Occasionally, I’ll do a paid speech or a narration—something that only takes a little bit of time and doesn’t keep me away from home for too long.”
Instead, he prioritizes spending time with his growing family.
“I’ve got five grandkids. We’re hoping for more,” Sinise shared. “Leaving home for long periods of time is just not something I want to do.”
Though Sinise is not actively chasing new roles, his comments suggest a return to film or television is possible.
“It’s got to be the right fit,” he hinted.
