Stephen Hawking, world-renowned astrophysicist, has died at the age of 76 at his home. Hawking was one of the world’s best known and mosthighly-regarded scientists. His children confirmed his passing in a statement. Here’s what they had to say.
“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’ We will miss him forever.”
In the 60s, Stephen Hawking fell victim to amotor neuron diseasethat put him in a wheelchair. This never held him back and, as he wrote in a 1984 essay, “My disabilities have not been a significant handicap in my field, which is theoretical physics. Indeed, they have helped me in a way.” Hawking eventually rose to the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, a position that Isaac Newton once held. Cambridge vice chancellor Stephen Toope had this to say about Hawking in a statement.
“Professor Hawkingwas a unique individual who will be remembered with warmth and affection not only in Cambridge but all over the world. His exceptional contributions to scientific knowledge and the popularisation of science and mathematics have left an indelible legacy. His character was an inspiration to millions. He will be much missed.”
After catching pneumonia in 1985, Stephen Hawking also lost the ability to speak. However, this led to the development of the appropriately titled speech-generating device that is closely associated with Hawking. Despite not being able to use his own voice to speak, Hawking regularly gave lectures and spoke publicly, continuing to be a voice forscience education.
Stephen Hawking rose to fame in the 70s when his theoretical physics work on black holes and how the universe began was published. Along with physicist Roger Penrose, his work helped cement what we now know as the Big Bang Theory. Hawking became famous in the mainstream public when his 1988 book,A Brief History of Time, was published. To date, the book has sold more than 10 million copies and was turned into a documentary in 1991.
Over the years, Stephen Hawking appeared in various TV shows, lending his voice to bothThe SimpsonsandFuturama. He also appeared onStar Trek: The Next Generationand, more recently, on episodes ofThe Big Bang Theory. The 2014 biopicThe Theory of Everythingchronicled Hawking’s life. Eddie Redmayne, whowon an Oscar for his portrayalof Hawking in the movie, had this to say in a statement following the news of his death.
“We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet. My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family.”
During his life, Stephen Hawking was married twice. His second marriage to his nurse, Elaine Mason, ended in 2006 and was subject to tabloid headlines at the time. Many in Hollywood have paid tribute to Hawking since his passing, including John Oliver,Simpsonswriter Al Jean andStar Trek: The Next Generationstar Brent Spiner, among many others. Hawking is survived by his three children. RIP, Stephen Hawking. you may check out tributes to Hawking for yourself below. This news comes to us courtesy ofBBC.
