Tom Hanks is remembering the late Jim Lovell.
Following the news that commander of Apollo 13 mission, Lovell died on Thursday at 97, Hanks, took to Instagram on Friday evening to share a tribute. Hanks famously played the astronaut in the 1995 film of the same name.
“There are people who dare, who dream and who lead others to the places we would not go on our own. 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,” Hanks wrote on his post. “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 continued, “On this night of a full moon, he passes on — to the heavens, to the cosmos, to the stars. Godspeed you, on this next voyage, Jim Lovell.”
The ’95 film follows the real-life story of astronauts Lovell (Hanks), Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) and Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon) and their mission to the moon in 1970 that was called off after an oxygen tank exploded, which threatened their return to Earth. The movie won two Oscars, including best sound and best editing; it also received a nomination for best picture. The film is recognized as one of Hanks’ most memorable performances, and especially, his famous line is: “Houston, we have a problem.”
To also honor Lovell’s career, the film’s director, Ron Howard, paid tribute: “Rest in peace, Commander Lovell. Navy test pilot, Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8 and, of course, Apollo 13. Simply knowing Jim has been a tremendous honor. His combination of intellect, courage and commitment to duty made him one of the most remarkable individuals I’ve ever met. His support of our movie-making efforts inspired authenticity and elevated our process in so many ways. Thank you, sir, for your service to our country and to humankind.”
Brian Grazer, a producer on the movie, called Lovell “a true American hero whose courage, intellect and grace under pressure inspired a nation.” He added, “He was not only a legend in space exploration, but also an incredibly generous, kind and inspiring man. Thank you, Commander Lovell, for showing us the best of what we can be.”
Additionally, NASA shared a statement, which reads: “Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.”
