Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell Dies Aged 97, Tom Hanks Pays Tribute

Jim Lovell, the renowned NASA astronaut and commander of the Apollo 13 mission, passed away at age 97, prompting heartfelt tributes from actor Tom Hanks, who portrayed Lovell in the 1995 film Apollo 13. Hanks honored Lovell's courage, intellect, and dedication, highlighting that Lovell's space voyages were driven by challenge and exploration rather than fame or wealth. Director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer also paid respects to Lovell, emphasizing his calm strength and inspiration during the Apollo 13 crisis. Lovell's legacy includes flying on four NASA missions and holding the record for the longest time spent in space at one point, with a lunar crater named after him. NASA Administrator Sean Duffy acknowledged Lovell's character and contributions, which inspired generations and advanced space exploration. The film Apollo 13 will be re-released in IMAX theaters to introduce Lovell’s story to new audiences as a tribute to his extraordinary life.