Later that evening, the famous actor, director, and musician, who has starred on both screen and stage, will perform with his “Lieutenant Dan Band” for the CSU Stanislaus 50th Anniversary Kickoff Gala Concert at 8:30 p.m. in the University Amphitheatre.
CSU Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani will present the doctorate to Sinise in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments as a highly acclaimed contemporary artist and philanthropist. In addition to his acting success, Sinise has actively supported humanitarian programs to help the children in war-torn Iraq and his band has entertained American troops all over the world.
“The impact that Gary Sinise has had on popular culture through his many years of excellence and extraordinary achievement in the field of theatre, motion pictures, and television, as well as his leadership in founding and actively supporting several unique humanitarian programs, make him most deserving of this honor and tribute,” President Shirvani said.
Sinise, probably best known for his role as “Lieutenant Dan” in the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump” and for his current starring role on the CBS television series “CSI:NY,” has won a number of awards for his acting. He received a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination for his “Forrest Gump” performance, won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in the TV movie “Truman,” captured an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in the TV film “George Wallace,” and was honored with an Obie Award for his direction in the Steppenwolf Theatre production of “True West.”
Sinise and some high school friends in Highland Park, Illinois, founded Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company that has showcased the talents of many outstanding actors. One of Sinise’s high school classmates who performed in productions with him at that level was CSU Stanislaus Theatre Professor John Mayer, and both have continued as lifelong friends.
Sinise plays the bass guitar for his band, formed in 2003, which has since done five tours for the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO) which entertains American troops.
Sinise’s credits are extensive, spanning over two decades as an actor and director on the big screen, television, and stage. He started his career on television in shows such as “General Hospital” and “Knot’s Landing” and has played the role of Detective Mac Taylor in “CSI:NY” since 2004. Sinise gained critical acclaim on the stage, directed and produced movies, and followed his hit performance in “Forrest Gump” with starring roles in movies such as “Apollo 13.” Married to actress Moira Harris since 1981 and father of three children, Sinise has provided his voice for a number of children’s animated shows.