Tom Hanks is sharing a touching sendoff for Jim Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander Hanks portrayed in the Oscar-winning film of the same name 30 years ago.
Hours after news of Lovell’s death at 97 on Aug. 7 became public, Hanks, 69, took to Instagram to share a tribute for the decorated astronaut.
“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.
The message continued: “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. On this night of a full Moon, he passes on – to the heavens, to the cosmos, to the stars.”
The Oscar-winning actor concluded his statement by writing, “God speed you, on this next voyage, Jim Lovell.”
The Ron Howard film released on June 30, 1995, told the story of the Apollo 13 crew’s return to Earth after an oxygen tank exploded during the voyage, leaving them with dangerous levels of carbon dioxide in an April 1970 NASA mission.
It was a hit in Hollywood and beyond, earning $355 million at the box office globally as well as two Oscars.
‘Apollo 13’ in IMAX: Jim Lovell died months before movie’s return to theaters
Tom Hanks attended President Clinton’s ceremony honoring Jim Lovell
Hanks and Lovell’s paths crossed several times over the decades.
Hanks and son Colin Hanks were in the Oval Office when then President Bill Clinton presented Lovell with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor on July 26, 1995.
“What you did up there and what you have accomplished in your life back here on Earth continues to be an inspiration to all your fellow Americans,” Clinton said.
Hanks also attended the unveiling of Lovell’s portrait during a 2010 ceremony in Chicago awarding the astronaut with the Lincoln Leadership prize.
Knowing Jim Lovell ‘a tremendous honor’ for ‘Apollo 13’ director Ron Howard
The creatives behind the “Apollo 13” film adaptation also paid tribute to Lovell in an Aug. 8 statement shared with USA TODAY.
“Rest in peace, Commander Lovell. Navy test pilot, Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8 and, of course, Apollo 13,” Howard said in his message.
“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.”
Howard then thanked Lovell “for your service to our country and to humankind.”
Producer Brian Grazer said: “Jim Lovell was a true American hero whose courage, intellect, and grace under pressure inspired a nation. He was not only a legend in space exploration, but also an incredibly generous, kind and inspiring man.”
“Apollo 13” was the first film to be remastered for IMAX release in 2022, according to Universal Pictures. It will be released again in IMAX theaters on Sept. 19 to mark the 30th anniversary of the movie’s release.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Apollo 13’ star Tom Hanks honors Jim Lovell after his death at 97
