Tom Hanks in 'Apollo 13.' Everett Collection Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment 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." Related Stories News James Lovell, Apollo 13 Moon Mission Leader, Dies at 97 News The Atlantic Festival Adds 'The Diplomat' Season 3 First Look and Panels With Tom Hanks, Sterlin Harjo (Exclusive) 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." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) 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." THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Vivica A. Fox Orion's 'Is God Is' Lands High-Profile Summer 2026 Release in Theaters (Exclusive) William H. Macy Toronto: 'Train Dreams' Star William H. Macy Will Guest on 'Awards Chatter' Pod Live From THR's Access Canada Summit Macaulay Culkin Macaulay Culkin Prefers 'Home Alone 2' Over the Original Film Because He "Got Paid More" Heat Vision New 'Final Destination' Movie in the Works with 'Bloodlines' Co-Writer (Exclusive) Warner Bros. Kristen Wiig and Jonah Hill to Star in Warner Bros. Comedy 'Cut Off,' Set for 2026 Release Heat Vision 'Weapons' Director Zach Cregger on Bidding Wars, Casting Re-Dos and His Personal Connection to the Film's Final Chapter Vivica A. Fox Orion's 'Is God Is' Lands High-Profile Summer 2026 Release in Theaters (Exclusive) William H. Macy Toronto: 'Train Dreams' Star William H. Macy Will Guest on 'Awards Chatter' Pod Live From THR's Access Canada Summit Macaulay Culkin Macaulay Culkin Prefers 'Home Alone 2' Over the Original Film Because He "Got Paid More" Heat Vision New 'Final Destination' Movie in the Works with 'Bloodlines' Co-Writer (Exclusive) Warner Bros. Kristen Wiig and Jonah Hill to Star in Warner Bros. Comedy 'Cut Off,' Set for 2026 Release Heat Vision 'Weapons' Director Zach Cregger on Bidding Wars, Casting Re-Dos and His Personal Connection to the Film's Final Chapter