Kyle sits down with Gary to discuss his family’s journey to America in 1891, the founding of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, his iconic role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor, in the film Forrest Gump, and his lifelong mission of giving back to veterans and first responders.

Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor, musician and a passionate philanthropist. In 1974, at 18 years old, he co-founded Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Today, his film and television works include Apollo 13, Ransom, Snake Eyes, The Green Mile, Mission to Mars and hit tv series Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders and nine seasons of CSI: NY. His most notable role came, in 1994, when he played Vietnam War veteran Lt. Dan Taylor, in the global film sensation Forrest Gump.

His role as Lt. Dan formed a deep and enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community and in 2003, after several USO tours, he formed the “Lt. Dan Band” and began entertaining troops at home and abroad. Over the years, the 13-piece cover band has performed hundreds of shows for charities and fundraisers supporting wounded heroes and troops around the world. In 2011, to expand upon his individual efforts, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation with the mission to serve and honor America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need.

In 2019, Gary released his New York Times Bestselling autobiography, Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service.

#7 - Actor, author and philanthropist Gary Sinise