Los Angeles, Aug. 9 -- Tom Hanks paid a tribute to Jim Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander whose bravery in space inspired one of the actor's most celebrated roles.

Lovell, who died on Thursday, was remembered by Hanks as a man who not only explored the far reaches of space but also inspired people to push beyond their limits.

Hanks, who played Lovell in the 1995 film Apollo 13, took to Instagram to reflect on the late astronaut's remarkable life and career. He described Lovell as someone who dared, dreamed, and led others to places they might never have gone alone.

"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 ...