Gary Sinise (born March 17, 1955) is a retired American actor celebrated for his Academy Award–nominated role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump (1994) and his long-running portrayal of Detective Mac Taylor on CSI: NY (2004–13). He co-founded the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 1974, where he honed his craft and later earned a Tony Award for his work on stage. His career includes standout roles in Of Mice and Men (1992)—which he also directed—along with Apollo 13 (1995) and The Green Mile (1999), plus a Golden Globe for Truman (1995) and an Emmy for George Wallace. Beyond acting, Sinise is widely honored for his extensive philanthropy, founding the Gary Sinise Foundation and the Lt. Dan Band, which performs for U.S. military personnel around the world.