Just before his son Mac passed away after battling cancer for five and a half years, Gary Sinise opened up about the very serious health situation the 33-year-old was in.
During his appearance on The Ingraham Angle in Dec. 2023, Sinise spoke about the health obstacles his son had to endure.
“For the past several years, he has been dealing with some very serious health challenges,” the Forrest Gump star shared. “[Mac] use to be a drummer and he can’t do that anymore. He put that aside.”
Gary Sinise’s son had attended the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. He went on to become a composer. As his illness progressed, Mac started playing the harmonica because he was unable to hold drumsticks anymore.
While continuing his health journey, Mac reconnected with with college friend Oliver Schnee. The duo played music that Mac wrote.
“To see him come alive again, and rediscover something that was part of his past and rejuvenated him so beautifully,” Sinise continued. When asked about Mac returning to music, the actor declared, “It’s beautiful to see. He’s a very talented guy.”
Mac was diagnosed with Chordoma, which is a rare type of bone cancer. According to Mayo Clinic, Chordoma occurs most often in the bones of the spine or skull.
Chordoma usually happens in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also grows slowly and can be difficult to treat because it’s often located very close to the spinal cord and other important structures like arteries, nerves, or the brain.
Gary Sinise Says His Son Fought an ‘Uphill Battle’ But Never Quit Trying
In a special letter on his website, Gary Sinise opened up about his son Mac’s battle with cancer and how the 33-year-old never quit trying.
“While our hearts ache at missing him, we are comforted in knowing that Mac is no longer struggling,” Sinise penned. “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.”
Although he didn’t talk about Mac’s fight with cancer publicly for a long time, Gary Sinise stated the real focus was on his son’s inspirational music.
“Mac was living out a dream, bringing it to reality with his collaborating partner, Oliver. It was incredibly motivating and therapeutic for him, and he was so excited to see it all come together.”
Mac is one of three children Gary Sinise shares with his wife Moira Harris.