Gary Sinise on How Playing Lt. Dan in 'Forrest Gump' Changed His Life - Pickler & Ben

[@oldprankster7606]

Gary Sinise should have won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan.His role has become an iconic symbol of the struggle of wounded veterans attempting to reintegrate with society, find their own way, and become the productive citizens they long to be.

[@mariacompton1416]

Yes, he was awesome in that role.

[@jamiegagnon6390]

Academy awards are given for acting performance, not for perceived impact on society. There is already too much other bullshit attached to the awards, let us not make them a rating of social impact.

[@kyliesanders6013]

For sure he should of gotten it

[@tonywilson4713]

I always wonder about that one because he was just so awesome. But he lost to Martin Landau for that equally incredible performance as Bela Legosi in Ed Wood. If you look at the list in the 90s at the other winners what other performance were there as goo as those 2. The only ones I'd consider are Gene Hackman as "Little" Bill Daggett in Unforgiven and Robin Williams as Dr. Sean McGuire in Good Will Hunting. No offense to any of the others but I can't see any of them beating Gary for best supporting actor. In that decade I think he gave the equal best performance or the equal 2nd best performance for supporting actor. If you look wider because maybe just maybe a couple of others were as good. If you look at the 80s maybe Haing S. Ngor as Dith Pran in The Killing Fields or maybe Denzel Washington as Pvt. Trip in Glory if you look at the 2000s Benicio del Toro as Javier Rodriguez in Traffic or maybe Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight I can't find anyone from the 2010s to compare except maybe Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel in Bridge of Spies I think if he had not been against Martin Landau in that one year where there were 2 incredible performances, he might have won in any other year of the last 40. I'm certain others will tell me to get lost, but I think he only lost because it was that year 1994.

[@FS-dp5jj]

100% AGREED❣

[@janicefriedlander3892]

What a humble, decent, and "real" human being who continually uses his fame to do such good things for our veterans.

[@moncorp1]

A rarity in leftard Hollyweird for sure.

[@joedunleavy7066]

His fame is in the good works he's doing.

[@radar0412]

He could do more for America by being Anti War as well as supporting Wounded Warriors. Only the Democrats and Republicans would Hate him for being Anti War. Regular Americans? Not so much..

[@staycool163]

Janice, you said exactly what I was thinking! He's incredible!! 🇺🇸💜

[@JohnDoe-qf1ur]

@@radar0412 "Only the Democrats and Republicans would Hate him for being Anti War." well there lies your answer. being anti war will get you no where as a regular person, or even a celeb. The Govt. calls all the shots when it comes to our armed forces. maybe it's time for US to get mad at our elected officials? a good start would be to vote out career politicians. maybe push for some terms limits, to prevent such corruption from infesting in the first place?

[@robedmund9948]

Gary Sinise is a national treasure and responsible for some of the BEST cinema produced in the past 30 years. What a great American!!

[@virginialewis9854]

I am a Gold Star Mother of Spc Matthew W Ward DOD 6/6/09 and ABSOLUTELY LOVE EVERYTHING that Gary Sinise is doing for our soldiers! He is a fantastic person!

[@184876ela]

Sorry for your son Miss,i thank him for his service and sacrifice a true hero.

[@caeliknight]

Thank you to your son, to you/your family for his service and I want to offer my condolences for your loss .

[@virginialewis9854]

@@184876ela Thank you, Edward.

[@virginialewis9854]

@@caeliknight Thank you, Caeli.

[@virginialewis9854]

@@jasonb8510 Thank you. God Bless you for your sacrifice as well.

[@loucontino4804]

Sinise is One of a Kind. The World doesn't see too often, a person giving so freely of himself, his time and his efforts like this man gives. My buddy Dan Gottlieb plays drums with his band and the work they do for our Veterans is amazing! Just tremendous!

[@dbacksfan09]

Mr. Sinise will be, forever and always, Lieutenant Dan.

[@burtmurphy6261]

Yes sir he will

[@a1kev]

And George

[@nomos_lol]

He’s in the “Lt. Dan Band” it’s pretty cool

[@tinalouisestagg]

For a small but powerful group of space geeks he will always be the great T.K. Mattingly.

[@ChloeLouiseeB]

@@tinalouisestagg I feel attacked 🤣

[@slcRN1971]

I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Gary Sinise when he and his band performed here at Camp Lejeune, NC. They were very good. Then I got to meet him at the USO afterward. He is so nice and was wonderful to all the military people and families. I have been a big fan of his movies and TV series: CSI, NY. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in “Forrest Gump” which he very much deserved but didn’t win. He also played a villain in “Ransom” and was so convincing that the audience all cheered when he met his just end. Such a gifted and talented actor who spends a lot of time helping the military. The world is in need of more men like him. Thanks for all you do, it is greatly appreciated!

[@GarryChellewBfsc]

What a special human being , an actor turned humanitarian in the best way ever .he is an example of the best of the human race .Gary Sinese your effort is A1 .

[@EricBlackmonEricBlackmonMusic]

For those who don't know what a real man looks like, THIS IS ONE.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@frank bennett DJT was NOT a draft dodger. Bill Clinton and Joe Biden damn sure were though.

[@canadiantraveller281]

Can you imagine if we said " This is what a real woman looks like " .....that is why women will never actually want real equality.

[@johillman6627]

Love this man..one of the best actor EVER

[@MsStealYourDadAndMom]

People do say that 🤷🏻‍♀️ no one cares but snowflakes ​@@canadiantraveller281

[@caseylevins9900]

For such an accomplished actor he so humblely and graciously empresses his most beloved role. Gary Sinese is such a class act!

[@pamelarodriguez1440]

I love this man! He has a heart of gold! A true heart of gold! Lots of celebrities give money to different charities, but very few give themselves to charity! Gary is an amazing man one he absolutely loves what he does with our veterans and you can see that it comes from his heart and isn’t just an opportunity for a spotlight on himself! Thanks for having him on your show!! You guys need to bring more heroes on and showcase what they do for America and her citizens!! God Bless!!

[@ralphchrist2911]

One of the really good guys in Hollywood who thinks of others

[@jamesleleux6943]

I am a Vietnam vet and I served in the 3rd Armor recon and yes I know of disabilities as I collect a disability pen from the VA but I agree with you as Viet Nam vets have come a long way considering what we faced before so Yea I want to thank all who now realize that were just there doing our jobs and trying to keep our fellow Americans safe regardless of what the news showed and all the negative things we had to endure

[@davidgraham-parker]

@@jamesleleux6943 God Bless you. I'm an Aussie, but I can tell you this, we Australians know very well the sacrifices that Americans have paid over the many decades in all theaters of war. I pray you live a long, prosperous life.

[@paulferrante5192]

@@jamesleleux6943 JAMES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!👍😊

[@inquirer1016]

Gary is a real American treasure. He values our veterans and is a true patriot.

[@AJB9806]

Gary’s performance in _Of Mice And Men_ was spectacular.

[@auagfinder6541]

He was also very good in “Ransom” as the bad guy.

[@mymagicmurals]

I agree.

[@Boxingbear]

He also did a good job in Snake Eyes. Not the greatest movie but he was excellent as always.

[@jdsheleg8332]

Now I am curious! I am going to look it up and watch it.

[@digitalnomad9985]

Apollo 13 still my favorite stand alone movie. My most rewatched movie.

[@rebeccastratton4114]

Gary is a light that gestures to uncertain souls. He embraces a questioning mind and offers not an empty smile but instead, a wide open heart that says "I am not you, I have not seen what you've seen. I am listening though and as you bravely share your story I learn more and I am here." It's what everyone needs. To just be heard.

[@garysinise4439]

Thanks for your love and support 😊 Leave a mail : [e-mail]

[@dalucas77]

What a Wonderful Person! Thank you Gary!

[@tamaramcbride4187]

Good man. Kindhearted and humble.

[@Chrisoula17]

Lt. Dan is the best. Such a great role model. We need more people like him.

[@kinarrakid5036]

He's an actor, nothing stopping you from being a role model. Promote it.

[@ac6298]

GARY/LT, DAN - YOU ARE AN AWESOME HUMAN BEING

[@pattihusk8181]

Gary Sinise is one of the sweetest and kind human beings who truly helps our veterans all the time!!! God bless you Mr. Sinise!!!!

[@24juan68]

If only everyone or majority of Hollywood people are this humble

[@sergeantmasson3669]

This US Army Special Forces Vietnam combat medevac veteran has nothing but the highest possible respect for Gary Sinise. What he does for US military veterans is by far beyond awesome and greatly appreciate much more than I think that he realizes.

[@gmcjetpilot]

I would never say I want to be like a Hollywood actor... except Gary Sinise. He's a good guy, a patriot supporting the military.

[@TiggyTabbycat]

He’s what Hollywood needs to learn from. Humility, Heroism.. role model

[@newwavepop]

i have literally always referred to the film as " The Redemption of Lt. Dan". to me that has always been the real story of the film, Lt. Dan finding his way through the darkness and discovering happiness and joy in life.

[@TheStuport]

Just read Gary's autobiography called "Grateful American" and I gotta say it is a Solid Testimonial from an average guy who made good and paid it forward!! Gary Sinise is absolutely an American Treasure and I'm Grateful to have been around to experience his talent! Cheers From Ohio

[@BabsLongfellow]

Gary Sinise is so unlike the rest of Hollywood in his humbleness and genuineness. Thank-you.

[@juanaboynkin1196]

All of the work that he does for veterans needs to be commended. All the troops that are thousands of miles from home ALWAYS appreciate his show.

[@kellycranford3592]

I love and admire Gary Sinise so much!! Bravo, Sir, for what you do for our vets!! Thank you!

[@mikedavis9891]

Gary should be honored over and over again for everything he has done for all veterans around the world. It would be an honor to ever meet this remarkable man. Vietnam vet, ‘69-‘70. ✌️

[@scottmichael3745]

Thank you for your service to this country sir. As a child, after the divorce, my friends neighbor (a Vietnam vet) was THE father figure I had. At 15 he told me the truth about war and what he endured. I can't describe how it changed me. I have an unlimited amount of respect for our country's veterans...

[@AEE341]

Thank you for serving our wonderful nation! I am reading Gary Sinise's autobiography right now and learning more about veterans and the organizations that serve them. I ❤ watching the National Memorial Day show that Gary Sinise co-hosts. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@juansilva1917]

Mike Davis .damn baby killer ! Mosalama asshole !

[@scooters47]

@@juansilva1917 WTF

[@tracya4087]

here here dont forget thr arvn too

[@NothingMaster]

I loved the way Forrest Gump would say: “Leuuutennennnt Daaayn”.

[@cliffhigson7581]

And tom hanks will call him that in public when he sees gary.

[@margaretweninger988]

I just recently saw Forrest Gump again, at my local theatre !!!! I appreciated it even MORE now, and I thank you, Gary, for what you're doing to help our heros !!!!!!!!! You're honoring those to whom honor is due !!!! God bless you for that !!!!

[@garysinise4439]

Thanks for your love and support 😊 Leave a mail : [e-mail]

[@robmangeri777]

Not sure why I clicked, I normally can’t stand Hollywood, but I’m glad I did! I would love to see a lot more of this kind of proper respect paid to our men and women in uniform! I’m a therapist who has worked with injured vets and I don’t know much else about you as a person Mr. Senise but you have my full respect for your role with injured veterans. Thank you!

[@AEE341]

His autobiography is out now. I am almost done reading it. It is a great American book. He seems selfless!

[@robmangeri777]

Ann VanderMolen very cool :)

[@eileenallen1986]

You gotta love this man. Proud American. Thankyou Gary for all you do and all who participate in helping and arranging for all that he does. Love your band.

[@garysinise4439]

Thanks for your love and support 😊 Leave a mail : [e-mail]

[@K.J.734]

All of the work that Mr. Sinise has done through his amazing foundation, for both military personnel as well as firefighters, is astonishing! He is truly a great & very humble man. He is the kind of person who I wish that I could be. A true American Hero. If he knew what I was writing here, he’d, no doubt, politely say ‘knock it off’ because he is so humble. God bless you, Mr. Sinise. The world absolutely need people like you. You’re a real inspiration for the rest of us. ☮️ & ❤️ to you & your loved ones 👍👍👍❗️❗️❗️

[@bobbierobinson6269]

Thank you so much to this gentleman who loves our soldiers.

[@JohnDeHaanSeekerOfTruth365]

Simply Put! Gary Sinise is the definition of... A Good & Honorable MAN!!!

[@bud3094]

Lt Dan.. (Gary Sinise) Is such a credit to our patriotism.. Thanks for your service to our Veterans and country sir.. Salute! (From a former Honor Guard

[@kathrynbellerose3925]

Wonderful, caring, humble person as well as an excellent actor. America loves and thanks you, Gary.

[@garysinise4439]

Thanks for your love and support 😊 Leave a mail : [e-mail]

[@JCourts2k23]

One of, if not the greatest celebrity out there, awesome guy

[@LadyOaksNZ]

A Beautiful Soul. Blessings Lt Dan 💯💯❤

[@macorte1972]

When God calls Mr. Sinise home one day I would support adding another star on our National Flag to remember him by. His work with our wounded soldiers is just flat our phenomenal and awe inspiring. Gary Sinise is an American treasure who is loved by all. Thank you Mr. Sinise.

[@ericjohnson6665]

That’s certainly a nice sentiment. But adding a star to the flag where each star represents a state hardly sounds plausible.

[@macorte1972]

Eric Johnson it was just a thought. Call it a special star for a great American.

[@russellbrown1068]

Gary Sinise is a good man. Thank you Sir, for all your help with Veterans causes.

[@jimpemberton]

I'm a vet who made it home okay and got on with life. All of my buddies came home with whole bodies, but a few ended up with injured emotions. and have had trouble getting on with life. I appreciate what Gary Sinise and so many others have been doing.

[@broncodeviltexas]

Gary has taken his celebrity and used it splendidly.

[@j.chriswatson6847]

God bless Gary Sinise. This vet appreciates all he does for us. His participation in Sgt Will Gardner really was awesome in a movie that truly resonated with me. His Forrest Gump scene in the hurricane is how I describe my salvation experience in my testimony.

[@deathbyvelocity7541]

Gary Sinise, thank you for what you do for our veteran's. You are a great American.

[@wingandhog]

I always appreciated Gary’s support of those of us who serve(d).

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I love this Human. Gary you are such a good man. Thank you for helping others.❤️🇨🇦

[@garybanglebangle7949]

From a vet to you thank you FOR YOUR SERVICE. And all the things you have done for the vets and for all the troops. GOD BLESS YOU.

[@deansapp4635]

Gary, Thank you for your service, Sir

[@rudylerma3042]

Gary Sinise you are a true HERO !!! thank you for doing what you do for us veterans, God Bless you Sir!

[@garymcaleer6112]

Not a hint of self-glory. No self-prepared speech where the words flow with conceited confidence. Politicians should learn from this man and regain some respect from the average American who's tired of being played the fool by an insatiably greedy government bureaucracy who serves itself more than the people they swore to serve.

[@wyattfamily8997]

Amen, same in Australia.

[@missireason8998]

I liked it that he didn't see it as a negative, the character of Lt. Dan. Some actors are angered when they're remembered by their character's name. They should see it as a compliment, as they did such a good job that the character is permamently in our minds and hearts for what their character brought to our lives.

[@garymcaleer6112]

@@missireason8998 Well said, Missy.

[@doccreed7182]

Amen, sir. I have the greatest respect for Sinise.

[@UltraSuperDuperFreak]

You choose em yourself lol. vote smarter then. As far i understand not enough vote's either last i checked. And then they sit and complain after hehe :P Not that it matters, corporation's over there has way to much power.

[@uNkLeRaRa4]

I'm just learning today about what an INCREDIBLE man this is. God bless you Gary, doing God's work down here 🙏🏻

[@TheStuport]

ANYTHING Gary Sinise is involved in or with....I'M ALL IN Cheers Gang

[@rapunzel4117]

Present day Bob Hope! Thank you for all your love, time and money you give to Veteran’s and the USO. Worked at Bob Hope USO and saw your love for our troops upfront and personal on Friday’s night with the food and BBQ. Another great organization is The Honor Foundation. I now volunteer there as a career transition coach, for SpecOps. Great organization that helps military be successful with a new purpose, passion and mission. ❤️🇺🇸🌹💜✝️🌸❤️🇺🇸🌹💜✝️

[@mnvzerrudo100]

Watching 'Forrest Gump' for the Nth (but not the last) time has brought me here. Lt. Dan - a memorable character in Forrest Gump so many loved. No other actors could have done justice to this iconic character than Gary Sinise. Thank You Mr. Sinise for playing an even greater role outside of this great film masterpiece.

[@thesarge4457]

A Real Solid Person, Thank You Mr. Gary Sinise for your time given to us Veterans, Greatly Appreciated

[@googleaccount7986]

This man has a heart of gold.and I will have him my prayers each night.god bless from ☘🇮🇪

[@davem.2191]

What a great guy! Simple and to the point. No grandstanding, no nothing. Just a good salt of the earth, humble kind of man. Thank you sir, for doing what you can for our disabled war veterans!

[@sum12see]

He has done so much for our disabled vets cant thank him enough! He played It Dan perfectly.. God Bless you Mr.Sinese...

[@TermiteUSA]

Gary is a great guy and you all are great for hosting him.

[@ryanpotts1101]

God I love this man! Thank you General Gary!

[@bengemeister]

God bless this man. One of my earliest memories is of my dad tiptoing out behind me while I was watching TV on his way to the Asian/Pacific theater for the Korean conflict. I don't know that we ever were a complete family after that.

[@pinkrose5796]

John Texas He probably meant that when his father returned, he had changed. Moody, maybe a little mean, not talking as much, not wanting to do things with the family, etc. My dad did 3 tours in Vietnam ( plus served in WWII and was in Korea right after the truce for a year) and he changed:(

[@Butterfly-ue1ph]

A veteran actor who I actually like and enjoy watching and listening too! Never be anyone else like him ever again

[@keirahjohnston6373]

I love Lt. Dan ! Gary Sinise seems to be a great man of character ! Hollywood could definitely learn from him !God bless Gary ❤

[@alanreynolds2287]

You will always be well thought of Lt. DAN!!

[@redparrot53]

Gary Sinise is the BEST!!

[@alwaysoutdoors4242]

Mr Sinise thank you for all you do. You are a truly a great American and a blessing to all the veterans out there. As the son of a Vietnam veteran and veteran myself, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please continue to support our men and women as the come home.

[@samuelestepp725]

God bless you Gary I'm a 69 year old combat Vietnam vet and would like to thank you for your service to guys like myself.you're my hero for helping vets like you have the world needs more humans like you

[@kornfreak78]

Gary Sinise is a class act. A true gentleman. Much respect.

[@sb859]

I've met him in person. As advertised. Humble, gracious, servant leader. Thank You Lt. Dan!

[@m.n.shumate448]

LOVE this man, Gary Sinise!!! He IS boots on the ground! Paying it forward all because of a movie opportunity! NEED more in Hollywood like him! Thanks to ALL veterans also...you MADE our country FREE!!!

[@wincubs1]

Class act all the way! A hero supporting our heros! God bless Gary Sinise!!🙌

[@steveyj75]

A celebrity fully worthy of our admiration and accolades, and a true gentleman.

[@SeanHendy]

Albeit from across the pond, I am a veteran and I can barely put into words how much respect I have for Mr Sinese and what he has done for fellow veterans for decades. The lives he has impacted and families he has helped through his foundation, it is difficult to put into context just how much he has achieved. Having been on many tours and on one occasion having seen the equivalent of USO 'entertaining the troops' literally as we waited to go to war, the work he does with the Lieutenant Dan Band is also commendable. It gives troops the chance, for a few hours, to switch off from the job at hand, and be entertained. But ti wouldn't happen if it weren't for those people volunteering to go to locations and situations around the world, where the situation is less than safe. Gary Sinese, total respect, and thank you.

[@ivyedan7183]

I truly love and admire him..what he has done for veterans is heart warming.. He has also had Gold Star Families on trips to Disney... Tank you for all you do. So humble

[@e-5ruben807]

Lt. Dan is doing what Bob Hope did entertaining the Troops overseas! Plus he does other great things for disable Veterans! Thanks Gary Sinise for what you do from a fellow Veteran!

[@napoliansolo7865]

I first saw Gary Sinise in a Danny DeVitto movie called "Jack the bear", not knowing anything else about him he still had a character presence that made him stand out. I think he deserves recognition for using his fame to help others.

[@bbgb2002]

Gary Sinise, you sir are loved by veterans from past and present, keep up the good work

[@susansauls8902]

LOVE Gary Sinise! What a top quality person. The world would be a better place with more people like him.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

So, I live near a major military installation and am a veteran myself. I see a lot of troops in uniform or wearing the 'hoo-ah' wear that's so de rigeur with active duty and veterans. But I have a Hell of a time saying 'thank you for your service'. It just sounds trite and dismissive coming from my mouth... like I'm trying to sell them Girl Scout cookies or some shit. So what I say is, "Hey, [rank], from an old cavalry corporal, thanks for your time." Well, Gary Sinise, I know you're not a veteran per se, but from an old cavalry corporal, thanks for your time. I, and my fellow old warheads, deeply appreciate your efforts on our behalf. We're grateful to you, sir.

[@catalystcody4949]

I really admire him as an actor.The guy cut his own legs off to play Lt Dan. That’s commitment & love for your craft that I can learn from & carry over into aspects of my own life.

[@Maxx61]

To this day, I don't think I've ever seen a more heartfelt and honest portrayal of a battlefield vet returning from home than I witnessed from this fella. It remains the gold standard and I can see why it changed his life.

[@bntaft5133]

Lots of respect for Gary.

[@lindadaulby]

Amazing guy you are Gary, and i also say what a wonderful you are too.. You have a heart of gold..

[@garysinise4439]

Thanks for your love and support 😊 Leave a mail : [e-mail]

[@brunosbay7671]

Classic Movie, a story to embrace and a good dude to help bring it to life. Thanks Lieutenant Dan (GS)

[@faisonhoward9191]

I love Gary and the support he gives not only to military and veterans. But also to all of us. Ty sir for being a servant of humanity.

[@johnmorton6512]

Gary is such a wonderful supporter of this country's military. God bless you Gary, keep up the good work you are doing.

[@Missditabomb]

Even in interviews, they keep expecting Gary Sinise to be Lt. Dan. The man is a marvel just on his own.

[@randallwilson5582]

LT. Dan is one great Human Being that stands for THE Disabled American Veterans which i contribute to each and every month!

[@tracya4087]

here here from lancashire

[@TheEmerald524]

Gary Sinise is a truly beautiful human being with a humble and generous heart 🙏❤️🥰

[@우사민-r3c]

Gary Sinise tirelessly works to support deserving veterans to this very day. Aside from acting it's his life's passion. Fantastic.

[@dreamseeker3783]

He is truly a Great American! God Bless You!

[@garysinise4439]

Thanks for your love and support 😊 Leave a mail : [e-mail]

[@luckyasmr1374]

Such a wonderful human being. God bless him and all of our Veterans!🇺🇸

[@scyllaandcharybdis]

Lucky ASMR you are honouring a man who supported the Vietnam War and the death of tens of thousands innocent Vietnamese people?

[@mostguitarswins]

Thanks Gary!

[@jamiew1664]

What a fine man. He was the best man for the job, and he’s proved that by not only the excellent job in the role, but the way he’s adapted it afterwards to help people. I salute you Lt Dan! X

[@VUrban-yr5ch]

We need more people like this Patriot. God bless you kind sir.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇸

[@gma2one]

God bless you sir. My husband is a 20 yr Navy vet and your portrayal was spine tingling. Thank you for all you do.

[@Ulbre]

Forrest Gump is one of those movies that you can watch again every few years and it's still as good as when you first saw it. A big part of that is Lt Dan.

[@giacdeg]

New fan of this marvelous, humble, authentic man.

[@timjewell3406]

Always liked Gary a very great actor.