Gary Sinise Announces Death of His 33-Year-Old Son
Gary Sinise
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Gary Sinise shared a heartbreaking update with his fans: His son, McCanna Anthony "Mac" Sinise, died at 33.
Gary's official Instagram account shared a photo of Mac and the link to a tribute posted on the CSI: NY actor's nonprofit organization's website. In a long, heartfelt message, the bereaved father revealed that Mac died on Jan. 5 after a five-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
"Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can," Gary wrote. "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."
In the tribute, Gary explained that both Mac and Gary's wife, Moira Harris, were diagnosed with cancer in 2018—Moira with stage 3 breast cancer and Mac with a rare type of cancer called chordoma.
"Chordoma is a one in a million cancer. Originating in the spine, Chordoma affects, on average, only 300 people in the U.S. per year," Gary explained. "In 70% of the cases the initial tumor can be removed, and it is cured. But in 30% of the cases, perhaps about 90 people per year, the cancer returns."
Although Moira went into remission and has been cancer-free ever since, Mac underwent three spinal surgeries in the span of just over a year, the beginning of "a long battle that disabled him more and more as time went on." He had his fifth and sixth surgeries, in addition to radiation and chemotherapy, in 2020.
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In 2023, Mac—who graduated from the USC Thornton School of Music—could no longer play piano or drums due to the cancer paralyzing him from the chest down. (Although he had limited use of his right arm and fingers on his left hand.) That's when he decided to continue working on a music composition he started in college called "Arctic Circles."
With the help of musician friends and acquaintances, Mac finished that song and others—and professionally recorded them. His album, Resurrection & Revival, is now available.
"He gave his family and friends so much during his 33 years, and he accomplished great things in those final months," Gary wrote. "...Thank you, Mac. You did it. Resurrection & Revival will live on. And so will you. In our hearts forever."
In addition to his mother and father, Mac is survived by two sisters, Sophie and Ella.
Next: How Gary Sinise's Role as Lt. Dan Led to a Lifetime of Giving Back to Vets
