Gary Sinese — who co-founded Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre along with John Malkovich — helms this rural drama set in the throes of Reaganomics, following the trials of two longtime farmers (Richard Gere and Steppenwolf alum Kevin Anderson) faced with losing the family business. But instead of foreclosing, they choose to burn the place down, adopting a criminal lifestyle. Malkovich makes a cameo as a curious &NFi;Rolling Stone&NFi_; reporter.
Gary Sinise was born in Blue Island, Illinois. His family later moved to Highland Park, where he attended high school. He was something of a rebel, playing in bands but paying little attention to school. Gary and some friends tried out for “West Side Story” as a lark, but Gary was hooked on acting for life by closing night. Gary credits his love for theatre to his drama teacher, Barbara Patterson. In 1974, Gary, Terry Kinney, and Jeff Perry founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Initially performing in a church basement, the company grew and gained stature in the Chicago area. In addition to acting in many plays, Gary also directed some of Steppenwolf’s most notable productions, including Sam Shepard’s “True West”. The company made its off-Broadway debut with that production, starring Gary and John Malkovich, and its Broadway debut with “The Grapes of Wrath” at the Cort Theatre in 1990. Gary’s Hollywood career also started in the director’s chair with two episodes of the… read more