Renowned actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise shared deeply sorrowful news through the Gary Sinise Foundation website and his personal Instagram account. His son, McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise, age 33, passed away after a courageous fight against cancer.
Mac received a diagnosis of Chordoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer, on August 8, 2018 — only three months after his mother, Moira Sinise, learned she faced stage three breast cancer. While Moira responded remarkably well to treatment and recovered fully, Mac’s illness progressed relentlessly, slowly taking away his ability to walk and move freely.
In a heartfelt statement, Gary poured out the overwhelming pain of losing his cherished son:
“Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can. 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 damn hard.”
He continued:
“Our family’s cancer fight lasted for five and a half years, and it became more and more challenging as time went on. 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 fought an uphill battle against a cancer that has no cure, but he never quit trying.”
Messages of Love and Support from Fellow Celebrities
The entertainment community quickly wrapped the Sinise family in affection and prayer. Actress Angie Harmon wrote, “We are so sorry Gary. You & your family are deeply loved by so many. We are all praying for you. Love you so very much.”
Alyssa Milano added, “I’m so sorry, Gary. I’m praying for your family. And sending you love and strength.”
A Life Filled with Purpose and Music
Throughout his journey, Mac lived with extraordinary determination and joy. He served as assistant manager of education and outreach for the Gary Sinise Foundation, contributing meaningfully to the organization his father founded to honor veterans, first responders, and their families.
Music remained Mac’s greatest passion. He performed as the drummer in his father’s Lt. Dan Band and continued creating songs even as his health declined. Despite five major spine surgeries that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Mac never stopped composing and recording.
In the final months of his life, he completed a deeply personal album titled Resurrection & Revival. Gary has shared that the family is working diligently to release Mac Sinise: Resurrection and Revival and press it on vinyl so that Mac’s music can touch countless lives.
Mac graduated from the University of Southern California, where he studied songwriting and composition, honing the talent that defined so much of his beautiful spirit.
Mac was laid to rest on January 5 in a private ceremony surrounded by loved ones.
Our hearts ache for Gary Sinise, Moira, and the entire family during this profound time of grief. May they feel the warmth of the world’s prayers and the enduring legacy of Mac’s courage, kindness, and music.
