‘CSI: NY’ star Gary Sinise ‘has been so strong’ after son’s death as celebs reach out

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Gary Sinise is receiving support from fellow stars following the death of his son, McCanna Anthony Sinise, who died from cancer at the age of 33.

The actor made the news public on Tuesday with a post on his Gary Sinise Foundation website, noting that Mac passed away Jan. 5 and was laid to rest Jan. 23.

“Like any family experiencing such a loss, we are heartbroken and have been managing as best we can,” the 68-year-old wrote under a photo of Mac, captioned: “In Honor & Memory McCanna Anthony ‘Mac’ Sinise, 1990-2024.”

Gary Sinise with his son, Mac, 33, who died Jan. 5 after a battle with cancer. Gary Sinise Foundation
Gary Sinise with his son, Mac, 33, who died Jan. 5 after a battle with cancer. Gary Sinise Foundation

“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,” he continued.

“We’ve all experienced it in some way.”

Several Hollywood celebrities posted messages of support for the “Forrest Gump” star and his family on Instagram.

“We are so sorry Gary. You & your family are deeply loved by so many,” wrote Angie Harmon. “We are all praying for you. Love you so very much.”

Alyssa Milano, meanwhile, posted: “I’m so sorry, Gary. I’m praying for your family. And sending you love and strength.”

Mac played the drums with his father’s Lt. Dan Band, which plays shows for troops and military groups. Gary Sinise Foundation
Mac played the drums with his father’s Lt. Dan Band, which plays shows for troops and military groups. Gary Sinise Foundation

Actor Robert Patrick wrote, “Gary, all my deepest sympathy, sending love and prayers,” while singer Katharine McPhee offered, “Oh Gary. I’m so sorry.”

In his message on Tuesday, Gary — who’s also dad to daughters Sophia and Ella — wrote that Mac was diagnosed in 2018 with “a very rare cancer” called chordoma, just months after his wife, Moira Harris, was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer (she’s in remission now).

He added that Mac’s cancer eventually spread and “disabled him more and more as time went on.”

Mac was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. Gary Sinise Foundation
Mac was diagnosed with cancer in 2018. Gary Sinise Foundation

Singer Alec Benjamin, who knew Mac in college, also reached out to his family on Instagram.

“So sorry!!!” he wrote. “I went to [University of Southern California] with Mac. he was such a nice guy and so talented!”

Actress Kelly Carlson added that Gary “has been so strong through it and has managed to care for others as well.”

“Dan and I send our deepest condolences and love,” she said of her husband, Dan Stanchfield. “Gary you’re a remarkable man. For those that know him or even have just met him, know what I mean. One of a kind.”

“Wishing Mac a beautiful journey and healing for his family. Just send out some love from your friends back West. We miss you.”

Mac recorded an album late last year. Gary Sinise Foundation
Mac recorded an album late last year. Gary Sinise Foundation

Gary shared on Tuesday that Mac’s battle lasted for more than five years.

“It became more and more challenging as time went on,” he wrote. “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.”