Actor Tom Hanks has paid tribute to astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away at the age of 97, saying he was a true pioneer who dared to go beyond what others could imagine. In an Instagram post, Hanks described Lovell as someone who “dreamed and led” others to achieve extraordinary things in space.
Hanks portrayed Lovell in the 1995 film Apollo 13, which depicted the failed lunar mission that nearly cost Lovell and his crew their lives in 1970. During the mission, an oxygen tank exploded, forcing the crew to abandon their lunar landing and use engine burns to slingshot around the moon and return to Earth.
Despite the challenges they faced, Lovell’s “successful failure” became a notable achievement for NASA’s Apollo program. Hanks said that Lovell made his many space voyages not for personal gain or fame, but because he was driven by a desire to push the boundaries of human exploration and experience.
The film Apollo 13 earned nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and marked one of the most iconic moments in space exploration history. Hanks starred alongside other notable actors in the film, which remains an important tribute to Lovell’s legacy as a trailblazing astronaut.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/10/tom-hanks-tribute-jim-lovell-apollo-13