In many cases, yes. Puff pieces are usually just that.
But I already know enough about Gary Sinese as an actor to answer this, and the truth is that Forrest Gump and playing Lieutenant Dan, changed his life, not just his career.
He’s become an activist, working for veterans rights groups, performing at USO shows, etc. The disabled veteran community embraced him for highlighting their plight, and in return he has never stopped working for them.