O scar-winning actor Tom Hanks honored James Lovell, the American astronaut he portrayed in “ Apollo 13 ,” with a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his courage, curiosity and fortitude. Lovell died Thursday in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97 years old.

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 commanded the harrowing Apollo 13 mission that was forced to abandon a lunar landing attempt in 1970, has died. He was 97.