Tom Hanks is paying heartfelt tribute to astronaut James A. Lovell, the real-life space hero he portrayed in the 1995 film Apollo 13.
Lovell, who died Thursday in Illinois at the age of 97, was best known for his incredible contributions to NASA’s space program, including his leadership during the Apollo 13 mission that narrowly avoided tragedy.
Hanks shared a moving message on social media, remembering Lovell as “the kind of guy” who dared to dream and led others to places they wouldn’t go on their own.
“There are people who dare, who dream, and who lead others to the place we would not go on our own,” Hanks wrote.
“Jim Lovell, who for a long while had gone farther into space and for longer than any other person of our planet, was that kind of guy. His many voyages around Earth and on to so-very-close to the moon were not made for riches or celebrity, but because such challenges as those are what fuels the course of being alive — and who better than Jim Lovell to make those voyages.”
He ended his tribute with, “On this night of a full Moon, he passes on — to the heavens, to the cosmos, to the stars. God speed you, on this next voyage, Jim Lovell.”
Lovell’s remarkable career included four spaceflights, Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, and the famed Apollo 13 mission.
The latter was brought to life on the big screen by director Ron Howard, who also honoured Lovell, calling it “a tremendous honour” to have known him.
Howard praised his “combination of intellect, courage and commitment to duty,” adding that Lovell’s support during the making of Apollo 13 “inspired authenticity and elevated our process in so many ways.”
Producer Brian Grazer also reflected on Lovell’s legacy, describing him as “a true American hero whose courage, intellect, and grace under pressure inspired a nation.”
Grazer said Lovell was not only a legend in space exploration but also “an incredibly generous, kind and inspiring man.”
Released in June 1995, Apollo 13 brought the gripping real-life events of the mission to audiences worldwide.
As a special tribute, the film is set for a 30th anniversary re-release in IMAX theaters on September 19.
