Tom Hanks honored astronaut Jim Lovell, whom he portrayed in "Apollo 13," with a touching tribute celebrating the space pioneer’s bravery and extraordinary life.

Famed NASA astronaut Jim Lovell, who died at the age of 97 on Thursday, played a role in the making of the hit movie Apollo 13 that chronicled the mission where Lovell served as commander. The 1970 mission was considered a "successful failure" after the spacecraft experienced an oxygen tank

Actor Tom Hanks honored Jim Lovell, who he played in APOLLO 13, following the astronaut’s death on Aug. 7. “There are people who dare, who dream, and who lead others to the places we would not go on our own.