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The cast of Apollo 13, then and now: See the A-list stars of Ron Howard’s Oscar-winning film more than 30 years later

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By Randall Colburn

Randall Colburn

Randall Colburn is a writer and editor at **. His work has previously appeared on The A.V. Club, The Guardian, The Ringer, and many other publications.

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June 30, 2026 7:00 a.m. ET

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Bill Paxton as Fred Haise, Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell, Gary Sinise as Ken Mattingly, and Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert in 'Apollo 13'. Credit:

Ron Batzdorff/Universal

- *Apollo 13*, Ron Howard's docudrama about a disastrous mission to the moon, turns 31 this month.

- Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton led the cast, each playing the real-life astronauts who manned the mission.

- The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including two acting nominations for Kathleen Quinlan and Ed Harris.

*Apollo 13* had the kind of universal acclaim from critics and audiences that filmmakers can only dream of. Ron Howard's dramatization of NASA's titular lunar mission, which soon turned into a desperate fight for survival, was heralded for its remarkable attention to detail and perfectly paced dramatic tension, becoming the third-highest-grossing movie of 1995 and winning two Oscars.

Much of the film's success can also be attributed to its cast, led by Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, with memorable (Oscar-nominated) supporting turns from Ed Harris as Flight Director Gene Kranz and Kathleen Quinlan as Hanks' character's anxious wife, Marilyn. The impressive ensemble even won Best Cast at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and each member has gone on to further success in the industry.

Now, on the 31st anniversary of its liftoff into theaters, we're catching up with where the cast of *Apollo 13* is now.**

Tom Hanks (Jim Lovell)

Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell in 'Apollo 13'; Tom Hanks at the 'Billy Joel: So It Goes' premiere on June 4, 2025, in New York City.

Michael O'Neill/Universal; John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Tom Hanks was at the height of his powers in the lead-up to *Apollo 13*, having just won back-to-back Oscars for *Philadelphia* (1993) and *Forrest Gump* (1994). While the Academy didn't honor his performance as real-life astronaut Jim Lovell, he's since been nominated for his turns in *Saving Private Ryan* (1998), *Cast Away* (2000), and *A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood* (2019).

*Apollo 13*, though, was a highlight of Hanks' career, what with his well-documented fascination with outer space.

"I followed the space program heavily when I was a kid," Hanks told us in a 1995 ** cover story about the making of the film. "I could name all the crews of Apollo 7 through 12... And then Apollo 11, of course. That was the one the whole world stood still for. But I sort of stood still for each one of those Apollo missions."

In the aftermath of the film, Hanks teamed with Howard and *Apollo 13* producer Brian Grazer for HBO's docudrama *From the Earth to the Moon *(1998), on which he served as host and producer. The series was nominated for 17 Primetime Emmys, winning three, including Outstanding Miniseries.

Since the turn of the century, Hanks has stayed busy both on and offscreen, from releasing a collection of short stories and a novel to making his Broadway debut, starring in a Carly Rae Jepsen video, and enjoying viral fame as David S. Pumpkins, a breakout character he played in a 2017 *Saturday Night Live* sketch.

He's also been the recipient of a number of lofty awards, including an AFI Life Achievement award in 2002, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and the Golden Globe's Cecil B. DeMille award in 2020.

In recent years, he joined Wes Anderson's A-list stable, appearing in *Asteroid City* (2023) and *The Phoenician Scheme* (2025), and executive produced Apple TV's *Masters of the Air* (2024), among other projects. He returned to the big screen as Woody in *Toy Story 5* (2026), a role he has voiced for more than 30 years.

Hanks is married to actress Rita Wilson and has four children.

Kevin Bacon (Jack Swigert)

Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert in 'Apollo 13'; Kevin Bacon at the 'Best You Can' premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival on June 7, 2025, in New York City.

Ron Batzdorff/Universal; Gary Gershoff/WireImage

In* Apollo 13*, Kevin Bacon played the pivotal role of Jack Swigert, a last-minute replacement for the mission following Ken Mattingly's exposure to measles.

Looking back on the role in a 2022 interview with EW, Bacon recalled filming on what the crew affectionately referred to as the "Vomit Comet," a windowless jet production used for scenes requiring zero gravity.

"We shot on this thing [we dubbed] the 'Vomit Comet,' where we went up over the Gulf of Mexico and we'd dive and climb over and over to simulate weightlessness," Bacon told EW. "I was smart and took the drugs NASA handed us every day. One day, both Tom and Bill went cowboy and decided, 'We've been up there so many times that we don't really need them.' I will say they weren't puking, but they were not looking good."

Bacon *was* puked on, just not by his costars.

"One of the cameramen threw up on me," he said. "What's interesting about being thrown up on when it's zero-G is that it hovers there for a while. It's floating, and there's nothing you can really do, except go, 'Here it comes,' and when they hit the G forces, it's coming down on you."

Bacon was cooking in the mid-'90s, with *Apollo 13* landing in between his gripping turns in *The River Wild* (1994) and *Sleepers* (1996). He's remained a versatile and adventurous actor, bouncing between romantic comedies (1997’s *Picture Perfect, *2011’s* Crazy, Stupid, Love), *genre (1999’s *Stir of Echoes, *2022’s* They/Them*), intense drama (2003’s *Mystic River*, 2004’s *The Woodsman*), and even playing himself (*Will & Grace*, *Bored to Death*).

Most recently, he took on leading roles in the Netflix miniseries *Sirens* and on Amazon Prime's *The Bondsman*, and played some real sickos in *MaXXXine* (2024) and *The Toxic Avenger* (2025). He also directed and starred in a comedy horror film called *Family Movie* (2026) with his wife, Emmy-winning actress Kyra Sedgwick, and their two children, actress Sosie Bacon and musician-composer Travis Bacon.

Bill Paxton (Fred Haise)

Bill Paxton as Fred Haise in 'Apollo 13'; Bill Paxton at the 2017 People's Choice Awards on Jan. 18, 2017, in Los Angeles.

Michael O'Neill/Universal; Steve Granitz/WireImage

Bill Paxton rounded out *Apollo 13*'s leading trio of spacefarers as Fred Haise, the ship's Lunar Module pilot.

Unlike Bacon, who never looked forward to riding the Vomit Comet, Paxton told EW in 1995 that he was "strangely drawn to it,” adding, "It almost is like a weird addiction. Just to float — there is something liberating about it."

Paxton is likely best remembered for his gonzo turns in Kathryn Bigelow's *Near Dark* (1987) and James Cameron films like *Aliens* (1986) and *True Lies* (1994), but, as seen in *Apollo 13*, the actor was also capable of navigating intense drama. Just look at his performance in *Frailty* (2001), the harrowing horror drama he also directed.

He would go on to lead the cast of HBO polygamy drama *Big Love* and the History Channel's *Hatfields & McCoys* (2012), scoring nominations for three Golden Globes and one Emmy between the projects.

Paxton died in 2017 at the age of 61 from surgery complications. His final film role, released posthumously, found him reuniting with Hanks in James Ponsoldt's *The Circle*. He is survived by his wife, Louise Newbury, and their two children.

Kathleen Quinlan (Marilyn Lovell)

Kathleen Quinlan as Marilyn Lovell in 'Apollo 13'; Kathleen Quinlan on the picket line during the SAG-AFTRA strike on July 31, 2023.

Universal/Courtesy Everett; Kathleen Quinlan/Instagram

Kathleen Quinlan was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her performance as Marilyn Lovell, wife of Hanks' Jim Lovell.

In a 2014 interview with Smashing Interviews Magazine, she reflected on meeting the real Marilyn Lovell in preparation for the film.

"I felt a great responsibility to demonstrate or portray or represent somebody's life. So yes, I met Marilyn, and she was *so *gracious and helpful," she said. "Jim and Marilyn flew me to Houston. Jim actually flew the plane, and Marilyn sat in the back serving coffee. It was really cute."

She added, "I met a lot of the astronauts' wives, and I realized when I met them and talked with them what a strong, important influence they were on their husbands and where they were in their minds before they took off. They had to be really ready, and it had a lot to do with who was there supporting them."

Quinlan has remained a prolific performer in the decades since *Apollo 13*'s release, appearing in dozens of films and series. On the big screen, she starred in enduring genre flicks like *Breakdown* (1997), *Event Horizon* (1997), and Alexandre Aja's 2006 remake of *The Hills Have Eyes*. She's been equally present on the small screen, with recurring roles on series such as *Prison Break*, *Marvel's Runaways*, and *Mayans M.C.*

Quinlan has a son with her ex-husband, actor Bruce Abbott.

Gary Sinise (Ken Mattingly)

Gary Sinise as Ken Mattingly in 'Apollo 13'; Gary Sinise at the Movieguide Awards Gala on Feb. 7, 2025, in Los Angeles.

Ron Batzdorff/Universal; Michael Tullberg/Getty

Gary Sinise, fresh off a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his turn as Lieutenant Dan in *Forrest Gump *(1994), reunited with Tom Hanks in *Apollo 13* as Ken Mattingly, the real-life astronaut who had to forfeit his spot on the vessel after being exposed to German measles, which he never actually contracted.

As Sinise explained in a 2024 interview with the American Veterans Center, it was his working relationship with Hanks on *Forrest Gump* that secured him the role.**

"[Hanks told] Ron Howard, 'You should meet Gary,' so I went in and Ron said, 'Audition for any of the astronauts except for [the one] Tom [is playing], just pick one and come in and audition,'" he recalled. "And I thought the story of [Ken] Mattingly was a really good one. I liked the story of the guy — he gets pulled out and he's supportive but he wishes he was up there. But then he gets called back and he's needed again and plays a vital role in saving the day, bringing the guys home. I thought that was a good story."

Sinise, a cofounder of Chicago's acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, clearly made a good impression on Howard, who cast him as a lead in his next film, *Ransom *(1996). The actor went on to work with a number of prominent filmmakers, including Brian De Palma, Frank Darabont, and John Frankenheimer.

In the 2000s, he found a cozy place on network procedurals, leading *CSI: NY* as Detective Mac Taylor and *Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders* as Agent Jack Garrett.

Since the turn of the century, Sinise has been a vocal supporter of veterans' groups and has worked to raise money for veterans via the Gary Sinise Foundation, which he founded in 2011. He also regularly tours military bases with the Lt. Dan Band, a cover band he's been performing with since 2003.

In 2024, he discussed his decision to step back from acting in 2019 to help care for his wife and son, who had both been diagnosed with cancer. While his wife, Moira Harris, is in remission, his son, McCanna, died in January 2024 from a rare form of bone cancer.**

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Tom Hanks pays tribute to 'Apollo 13' astronaut Jim Lovell after his death

Ed Harris (Gene Kranz)

Ed Harris as Gene Kranz in 'Apollo 13'; Ed Harris at a 'My Dead Friend Zoe' screening on Feb. 24, 2025, in Hollywood, Calif.

Ron Batzdorff/Universal; Stewart Cook/Briarcliff Entertainment via Getty

The first of Ed Harris' four Oscar nominations came for his electrifying turn as Gene Kranz, the mission's flight director.

It was his performance, in particular, that impressed EW's critic, who lauded the "fear, passion, and lightning" the actor conveyed. "Harris takes chances; he surprises you in every scene."

Speaking with EW in 2016, Harris revealed that he prepped for the role by "[getting] used to all the jargon and how these guys talked."

He added, "Going to that set, you really felt like you were in the control room.… The thing I appreciate about [Kranz] is he's not concerned about himself. He's not concerned about his image, he's not concerned about anything other than doing the best job he can. The moment I recall the most is when [the NASA team] realizes we finally succeeded and everybody cheers. I remember this energy, taking it in and appreciating the work that everybody's done."

Harris, who remains as busy as ever, is a go-to for playing mercurial and menacing characters, lighting up the big screen in everything from big-budget action spectacles (1996’s *The Rock, *2022’s *Top Gun: Maverick*) to arthouse genre (2005’s *A History of Violence, *2024’s* Love Lies Bleeding*) to intimate character portraits (2002’s *The Hours, *2021’s* The Lost Daughter*). He went on to score Oscar nominations for his turns in *The Truman Show* (1998), *Pollock* (2000), and *The Hours* (2002).

He also made a splash on the small screen with Emmy-nominated roles in the miniseries *Empire Falls*, the TV movie *Game Change*, and the sci-fi mystery series *Westworld*. He stars as animal doctor Everett McKinney on the *Yellowstone* spinoff, *Dutton Ranch*.

Harris has been married to Oscar-winning actress Amy Madigan since 1983.

Clint Howard (Sy Liebergot)

Clint Howard as Sy Liebergot in 'Apollo 13'; Clint Howard at SiriusXM headquarters on Oct. 11, 2021, in New York City.

Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection; Astrid Stawiarz/Getty for SiriusXM

Clint Howard, brother of director Ron, costarred in *Apollo 13* as Sy Liebergot, the team's electrical, environmental, and consumables manager.

"I was on a professional roll in the early- to mid-’90s," Clint told the *A.V. Club** *in 2021. "I had started to really find my footing as an actor, and I had confidence playing Sy. But again: team, team, team. Ed Harris is a friggin’ great acting partner. He gives a lot more than he gets. We had so much fun, and he brought my game up to a new level."

Like his older brother, Clint was a child actor who has spent his entire life navigating an ever-shifting Hollywood. In the years following *Apollo 13*, he appeared in dozens of films and series, with highlights including Hanks'* That Thing You Do!* (1996), NBC's *My Name Is Earl*, gross-out horror hit *Terrifier 3* (2024), and his Emmy-nominated performance on *The Bold and the Beautiful*.

In addition to remaining a staple of Ron's films — he pops up in *How the Grinch Stole Christmas *(2000),* The Missing* (2003), and *Cinderella Man* (2005) — Clint has also appeared in numerous films produced by Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, and Rob Zombie.

Clint is married to Katherine Cruz, with whom he shares a daughter.

Ray McKinnon (Jerry Bostick)

Ray McKinnon as Jerry Bostick in 'Apollo 13'; Ray McKinnon at the 'Ford v Ferrari' premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on Nov. 4, 2019, in Hollywood, Calif.

Universal; Frazer Harrison/Getty

Georgia-born actor, writer, and director Ray McKinnon helped man the *Apollo 13* control room as Flight Dynamics Officer Jerry Bostick.

Over the past three decades, McKinnon won an Academy Award for his short film, *The Accountant *(2001), which he wrote, directed, and starred in. As a creator, he went on to write and direct *Chrystal* (2004) and *Randy and the Mob* (2007), as well as to create and executive-produce the acclaimed Sundance TV drama *Rectify*.

As an actor, McKinnon proved his comedic chops as "bona fide" suitor Vernon T. Waldrip in the Coen brothers' *O Brother, Where Art Thou?* (2000), and broke hearts as the doomed Reverend H.W. Smith on HBO's *Deadwood*.

Over the past decade, he's worked with a number of notable directors, including Jeff Nichols (2011’s *Take Shelter, *2012’s* Mud*), James Mangold (*Ford v Ferrari*, 2019), Paul Greengrass (*News of the World*, 2020), and Viggo Mortensen (*The Dead Don't Hurt*, 2023).

These days, though, McKinnon is likely best known for playing U.S. Attorney Linc Potter on *Sons of Anarchy* and *Mayans M.C.*, as well as for his turn on the Emmy-winning Hulu series *Dopesick*. He also appears on Dutton Ranch, with *Apollo 13* costar Ed Harris.

McKinnon was married to actor-producer Lisa Blount from 1998 until she died in 2010.

Chris Ellis (Deke Slayton)

Chris Ellis as Deke Slayton in 'Apollo 13'; Chris Ellis at the L.A. Film Festival world premiere screening for 'Of the Oath' on Sept. 25, 2018, in Los Angeles.

Universal; Vivien Killilea/Getty for Roadside Attractions

Chris Ellis played a key role in *Apollo 13* as Deke Slayton, the director of flight crew operations.

The actor, who's appeared in dozens of films and TV series across his four-decade career, named Deke his favorite role in a 2016 interview with Horror Geek Life.

"Of all the movies I have worked on, my favorite, far and away, is *Apollo 13*," Ellis said.

He added, "That movie, more than any other, revved up my career prospects, and everyone working on that movie had the conviction while shooting it that it was going to be Ron Howard’s best movie ever (still is, I think)," he said. "And that it would be a significant movie that would have a significant effect on all of our careers (it did)."

A tried-and-true "that guy" actor, Ellis appeared in numerous blockbusters in the '90s and beyond, including *Con Air* (1997), *Godzilla* (1998), *Armageddon* (1998), *Transformers* (2007), and *The Dark Knight Rises* (2012). Similarly, he's guested on some of the most popular and acclaimed series of the century, from *NCIS* and *The West Wing* to *The Office* and *Mad Men.***

Xander Berkeley (Henry Hurt)

Xander Berkeley as Henry Hurt in 'Apollo 13'; Xander Berkeley at the Los Angeles premiere of 'No Address' on Feb. 18, 2025.

Universal; Michael Tullberg/Getty

Xander Berkeley had been lighting up the big screen for 15 years by the time he played *Apollo 13*'s Henry Hurt, a member of NASA's Office of Public Affairs. Unlike many of the film's characters, which were based on real people, Henry was a composite of a handful of different real-life figures.

*Apollo 13* arrived at a bountiful time for the actor. In 1995 alone, Berkeley also appeared in the Oscar-winning *Leaving Las Vegas*, Michael Mann's *Heat*, and Todd Haynes' brilliant *Safe*. The '90s remained fruitful for Berkeley, as he'd go on to feature in movies like *Air Force One* (1997), *Gattaca* (1997), and *Amistad* (1997).

While he remained present on the big screen throughout the 21st century, he'd also find success on TV with roles on *24*, *The Mentalist*, *Nikita*, and *The Walking Dead*.

In recent years, he departed Hollywood for Maine, and also joined the *Star Wars* universe as Captain Gilad Pellaeon on both *The Mandalorian* and *Star Wars: Tales of the Empire*.

Berkeley has been married to former *24* costar Sarah Clarke since 2002.

Marc McClure (Glynn Lunney)

Marc McClure as Glynn Lunney in 'Apollo 13'; Marc McClure at the opening night of 'Back to the Future: The Musical' in L.A. on Nov. 6, 2024.

Universal; Michael Tullberg/Getty

Marc McClure was a familiar face by the time he played NASA engineer Glynn Lunney in *Apollo 13*, as the actor previously played Jimmy Olsen in the Christopher Reeve *Superman* franchise and Marty's older brother, Dave, in *Back to the Future* (1985).

After *Apollo 13*, McClure appeared in Hanks' *That Thing You Do!*, *Freaky Friday* (2003), *Coach Carter* (2005), and *Frost/Nixon* (2008), the latter a reunion between the actor and director Ron Howard.

His history with the *Superman* franchise also led him to a 2008 role on *Smallville*, in which he played a Kryptonian scientist, and separate cameos in both *Justice League* (2017) and *Zack Snyder's Justice League* (2021).

McClure has a child with Carol Courson Cowley, to whom he's been married since 1985.

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