“We were blessed to have you in our lives as son, brother, and friend…and we will miss you and love you for eternity,” the actor stated in a memorial statement. Son of actor Gary Sinise, musician McCanna Anthony “Mac” Sinise passed away on January 5 after a battle with Chordoma, an extremely uncommon form of spinal cancer. At the time, he was 33.
Tuesday, the actor from CSI: New York announced his son’s passing via Instagram and the website of his foundation, where he posted an emotional ode.
Gary wrote, “During the week that the album [Resurrection & Revival] went into press, Mac lost his battle with cancer.” “At 3:25 p.m. on January 5, 2024, he passed away; his remains were interred on January 23.” We, like any family that has suffered such a loss, are inconsolable and have been doing our best to cope.
For parents, the loss of a child is unbearably challenging. With deepest condolences to all those who have experienced a comparable bereavement or have lost a cherished one. Each of us has encountered it at some point…. I am incredibly fortunate, blessed, and pleased to be his father.”
Mac Was Identified as Having Chordoma
In August 2018, Mac received a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis, which came just two months after Gary’s wife Moira received the same diagnosis. The Forrest Gump star claimed that after months of treatment, Moira’s illness went into remission and hasn’t returned. However, despite multiple surgeries, Moira’s cancer persisted.
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“This started a protracted battle that gradually rendered him more and more incapable,” Gary wrote. Even though the cancer battle was becoming more difficult, he was still able to visit the Gary Sinise Foundation office for the majority of 2019—that is, until November when he underwent a third spine surgery.
Mac’s love of music began at a young age; at nine years old, he learned to play the drums. After studying composition and songwriting at the USC Thornton School of Music, he later received his degree. He was the drummer in Gary’s band, the Lt. Dan Band, and he also played the harmonica and piano.
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The Apollo 13 actor claimed that although his son’s disease ultimately rendered him immobile from the chest down, it didn’t stop him from wanting to compose music. Thanks to assistance from fellow musicians Dan Myers, Ben Lewis, Oliver Schnee, and Bill Schnee, Mac was able to work on an original song called “Arctic Circles” and contribute harmonica to a recording of “Shenandoah.”
After some time, the partnership developed into the full-length album Resurrection & Revival, which had the “theme of bringing something old or unfinished back to life.” The Lt. Dan Band was also represented on the record.
Gary Sinise continued in his homage, “He gave his family and friends so much during his 33 years, and he accomplished great things in those final months.” “I’m grateful, Mac. You succeeded. Revival and Resurrection will endure. You will also do so. Forever in our hearts. You were a son, brother, and friend who we were fortunate to have in our lives. and you have our undying love and affection.