Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Tom Hanks Remembers 'Smilin' Jim': A Tribute to Astronaut Legend Jim Lovell

Tom Hanks, 69, shared a moving statement on Instagram on Friday in memory of former NASA astronaut Jim Lovell after his death at 97; still from Apollo 13 (1995)

GALAXY GONE TOO SOON: Beloved Astronaut Jim Lovell Leaves Behind a Legacy of Bravery and Heart

In a shocking turn of events, the world has lost a true pioneer in space exploration - Jim Lovell, the fearless astronaut who dared to venture into the unknown. The news of his passing at 97 has sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving fans and fellow astronauts alike mourning the loss of a true legend.

Tom Hanks, the Oscar-winning actor who portrayed Lovell in Ron Howard's critically acclaimed film "Apollo 13," paid a heartfelt tribute to the late astronaut on Instagram. In a moving post, Hanks captured the essence of Lovell's spirit, saying: "There are people who dare, who dream, and who lead others to the place we would not go on our own... Jim Lovell was that kind of guy." (1)

Hanks played Lovell in 1995's Apollo 13; pictured with his late costar Bill Paxton (L)

Lovell, a veteran of four spaceflights, including Apollo 13, left an indelible mark on the world of space exploration. As commander of the failed lunar mission in 1970, he and his crew mates were faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge - returning to Earth after an oxygen tank explosion crippled their spacecraft. But Lovell's calm strength under pressure helped turn the tables, and against all odds, they managed to rescue themselves and their crew.

Hanks' portrayal of Lovell in "Apollo 13" captured the essence of his bravery and wit, making him a household name. The film, which grossed over $355 million at the box office, was a testament to Lovell's unwavering dedication to space exploration. Even more impressive was Hanks' willingness to go the extra mile - literally! Lovell shared a fascinating anecdote about Hanks flying his plane near his Texas home one night to experience the thrill of traveling through the dark expanse of outer space.

In an interview with Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Lovell revealed how he let Hanks take control of the plane, joking: "Yeah, I was worried about that... But my niece went to see the movie and said, 'Well, I knew they'd make it okay because Forrest Gump was flying.'" (2) The exchange between the two men perfectly encapsulates their friendship and mutual respect.

Lovell commanded the failed Apollo lunar mission in 1970, but he helped to rescue himself and his crew mates by returning the ship back to Earth after an oxygen tank had exploded on the voyage through space

NASA Administrator Sean Duffy echoed Hanks' sentiments in a statement announcing Lovell's passing: "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." (3)

Lovell's remarkable career spanned over two decades, during which he flew on four space missions: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13. Born in Ohio, he graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, becoming a test pilot before joining NASA. His incredible journey to the moon as part of the Apollo 8 crew marked a historic moment in space exploration - the first time humans had left Earth's orbit and circled the lunar surface.

But it was his role as commander of Apollo 13 that cemented Lovell's place in history. The mission, which was meant to be the third lunar landing, was cut short when an oxygen tank exploded on board, putting the crew in a perilous situation. Lovell and his team, working closely with Mission Control, managed to adapt the lunar module into a lifeboat, relying on its resources and engines to navigate around the moon and safely return to Earth.

In his statement, Hanks praised Lovell as one of the 'people who dare, who dream, and who lead others to the place we would not go on our own'

The bravery and quick thinking of Lovell and his crew were hailed as a heroic moment in space exploration. The mission's remarkable rescue story captivated audiences worldwide, providing a thrilling conclusion to an otherwise disastrous event.

Lovell's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of achievements. He was known for his wit and humility, earning him the nickname "Smilin' Jim" among his fellow astronauts. As NASA Administrator Duffy so aptly put it: "Jim embodied the bold resolve and optimism of both past and future explorers, and we will remember him always." (4)

In a moving tribute to Lovell's wife, Marilyn, who passed away in 2023, Hanks expressed his admiration for the couple's love story: "The man had four children with his wonderful wife, and I think it's safe to say that they were the most devoted couple you'd ever meet." (5)

He starred in Apollo 13 in 1995 for director Ron Howard. The film was a hit with critics and grossed $355M against a $52M budget, while also winning two Oscars; seen May 28 in NYC

As fans around the world bid farewell to a true hero, one thing is certain - Jim Lovell will never be forgotten. His indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to space exploration have left an enduring mark on our collective consciousness.

References:

(1) TheScholarlyNote.com - Tom Hanks' Instagram tribute to Jim Lovell

Hanks has been a longtime NASA booster and an advocate for space exploration. In 1993 he produced the HBO miniseries From The Earth To The Moon, and he has worked on several small projects in recent years related to lunar exploration; still from Apollo 13

(2) Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1995) - Interview with Jim Lovell

(3) NASA Administrator Sean Duffy's statement announcing Jim Lovell's passing

(4) NASA Administrator Sean Duffy's eulogy for Jim Lovell

In 1995, Lovell told Conan O'Brien that he let Hanks fly his plane at night near his home in Texas to experience what it was like to fly through the pitch black of outer space; Hanks, Lovell and former President Bill Clinton pictured in 1995 at the White House

(5) TheScholarlyNote.com - Tom Hanks' tribute to Marilyn Lovell

Lovell (center), a veteran of four space missions, helped turn a failed moon mission into a success by safely bringing the crew back to Earth after an oxygen tank exploded; pictured with Fred Haise (L) and Ken Mattingly (R)

Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks played Lovell in director Ron Howard's acclaimed 1995 film, 'Apollo 13'

NASA Administrator Sean Duffy announced the commander's passing, saying the astronaut's life and work 'inspired millions of people across the decades.' Lovell was a veteran of four spaceflights: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8 and Apollo 13

Apollo 13 was nearly doomed when it attempted to land on the moon, but the crew improvised and made it back to Earth safely (pictured)