Tom Hanks honors his on-screen counterpart Jim Lovell with a heartfelt tribute as the astronaut embarks on his final voyage beyond the stars

8 August 2025

The real astronaut Jim Lovell; Tom Hanks as Lovell in the film 'Apollo 13'. Credit: NASA/Interim Archives/Getty; Universal Pictures /Courtesy Everett Collection

Tom Hanks offered a poignant tribute on Instagram to honor astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away on August 7 at the age of ninety‑seven, a commemoration that resonates with personal history and shared legacy. Hanks, who brought Lovell to life in Ron Howard’s acclaimed 1995 film Apollo 13, reflected on the essence of Lovell’s spirit by writing that some people dare, some dream, and some lead others to journeys beyond what we dare to imagine, and Lovell was such a man.

Hanks’s message unfolded beneath the glow of a full moon, described as the Sturgeon Moon, a fitting backdrop for his poetic words: “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” The gesture not only honored a pioneering astronaut but also a man who, as Hanks noted, ventured into space not for fame or fortune but because such challenges animate the human experience.

Lovell’s legacy spans four historic space missions Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13 with Apollo 8 marking the first human flight around the moon, and Apollo 13 becoming legendary as a “successful failure.” An oxygen tank explosion en route to the moon in 1970 forced the mission to turn into a desperate effort to return safely to Earth, a feat made possible by Lovell’s calm leadership and ingenuity aboard the crippled spacecraft.

Over a distinguished career, Lovell flew more than 700 hours in space, a record at the time, and earned numerous honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom cementing his status as a symbol of resilience and courage in the annals of space exploration.

Lovell also co-authored the 1994 memoir Lost Moon, the basis for Apollo 13, and even appeared in the film in his actual Navy uniform as the captain of the recovery ship USS Iwo Jima, a cameo that blurred the lines between reality and dramatization.

Director Ron Howard, who helmed the iconic film, added his voice to the chorus of remembrance. Howard shared a carousel of photographs showing Lovell’s real image alongside shots of his portrayal on screen and wrote that knowing Lovell had been a tremendous honor. He praised Lovell’s intellect, courage, and dedication and expressed gratitude for his support during the film’s production, saying Lovell elevated the process with authenticity and commitment.

Today, Apollo 13 continues to inspire. To mark its 30th anniversary, a re-release of the film in IMAX theaters is planned for September 19, giving a new generation a chance to witness both the cinematic achievement and Lovell’s indelible story.

Beyond the countdowns and the screens, Lovell’s family remembered him not only as a space pioneer but as Dad, Granddad, and their hero. NASA, too, mourned his passing and noted that his iconic phrase “Houston, we’ve had a problem” and his composed actions made him a lasting emblem of leadership in crisis.

In reflecting on Lovell’s life and final goodbye, Tom Hanks captured more than nostalgia. His tribute distilled the essence of what it means to push boundaries out of love for discovery, to lead with humility and courage, and to inspire countless others to dare as Lovell once did.