Hollywood icon Tom Hanks has stepped in to correct misleading reports suggesting that Apollo 13 astronaut James Lovell had passed away. The false claims spread rapidly online, prompting Hanks—who famously portrayed Lovell in the 1995 film Apollo 13—to clarify the situation.
Taking to social media, Hanks firmly stated that Lovell, now 96, is very much alive. "I have not received any such news," Hanks wrote, dismissing the rumours. "Captain Lovell is still with us."
The Apollo 13 Legacy
James Lovell, a decorated NASA astronaut, commanded the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission in 1970, which suffered a critical oxygen tank explosion en route to the Moon. The crew's dramatic survival story was later immortalised in Ron Howard's Oscar-winning film, with Hanks delivering a memorable performance as Lovell.
Lovell, along with fellow astronauts Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, became a symbol of resilience and ingenuity after safely returning to Earth despite near-impossible odds.
Why the Rumours Spread
Death hoaxes targeting celebrities and public figures are unfortunately common, often fuelled by misinformation or satire taken out of context. In this case, the false report appears to have originated from an unreliable source before gaining traction online.
Hanks' swift response helped quash the rumours, reassuring fans and space enthusiasts alike. The actor remains closely associated with NASA's history, having also played astronaut Jim Lovell in the 1998 miniseries From the Earth to the Moon.
As of now, James Lovell continues to be an active voice in space exploration advocacy, frequently sharing insights about his historic missions.
