Actor Gary Sinise has shared the heartbreaking news that his son, McCanna “Mac” Sinise, passed away at the age of 33 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer known as chordoma.

In an emotional message released by the family, Gary spoke openly about the pain of losing a child, describing the experience as one no parent is ever prepared for. Although Mac passed away on January 5, the family publicly announced his death several weeks later as they privately mourned their tremendous loss.

Gary expressed sympathy for anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one, acknowledging that grief touches every family in different ways. While the loss has been devastating, he also shared comfort in knowing that Mac’s long struggle had finally come to an end and that he was now at peace.

Mac was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare cancer that develops in the bones of the skull or spine, in 2018. The disease has no known cure, and over the next five and a half years he underwent numerous treatments while continuing to fight with remarkable determination and optimism.

Throughout his illness, Gary often admired his son’s resilience, comparing his perseverance to a soldier who refuses to stop moving forward despite overwhelming obstacles. According to his father, Mac faced every setback with extraordinary courage, never allowing the disease to define who he was.

The family’s journey became even more challenging because Gary’s wife, actress Moira Harris, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Fortunately, she later entered remission, allowing the family to focus on supporting Mac through his difficult treatments.

In late 2023, Mac’s health took a serious turn when he was admitted to the hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties. Gary initially believed it would be another temporary setback, but his son’s condition gradually worsened. Surrounded by his family, Mac passed away peacefully after his long battle.

Despite his illness, Mac accomplished a great deal during his life. He worked with the Gary Sinise Foundation, helping support educational and outreach programs before stepping away because of his health. He was also a talented musician who studied songwriting and composition at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.

His passion for music remained with him throughout his life, and his album, Mac Sinise: Resurrection and Revival, was later released as a tribute to his creativity and enduring spirit.

Gary described his son as someone who inspired everyone around him through his strength, kindness, and unwavering determination. He said he felt incredibly grateful and proud to have been Mac’s father and hoped that sharing his son’s story would bring hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

Mac is survived by his parents, his sisters Sophie and Ella, and the many family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Closing his tribute, Gary honored his son’s memory with a heartfelt message, saying that Mac would forever be loved, deeply missed, and remembered for the remarkable courage he displayed throughout his life.