Stephen Hawking, the World’s Most Famed Physicist, Dead at 76
The family of Stephen Hawking — the world’s most famous physicist, widely acknowledged as one of the smartest men alive and greatest contributors to modern-day science — have confirmed that he has passed away in his Cambridge, UK, home at the age of 76.
Among scientists and science-lovers alike he was known for writing the 1988 book A Brief History of Time (10 million copies sold, translated into 40 languages) and for his work on black holes, the Big Bang Theory and singularities.
Hawking once said, “My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”
To many unfamiliar with his work, Hawking’s genius was overshadowed by his disability. When he was 21 years old, in 1963, Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Though expected to only live a few years after his diagnosis, he survived many years indeed.
But despite his disability — and perhaps due to it as well — Stephen Hawking was also famous for his sense of humor and provocative nature. He appeared routinely on The Big Bang Theory, on which he played himself, and in 2014 Eddie Redmayne portrayed him in the film The Theory of Everything.
“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today,” the children of Stephen Hawking said in a statement. “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.”
Stephen Hawking is truly an inspiration to us all. He was one of Earth’s greatest minds, and his accomplishments will forever be acknowledged.
