Home
TV
Stephen Hawking dies aged 76

Stephen Hawking dies aged 76

Tributes roll in for the famous physicist, who passed away at home in Cambridge

Ellie Harrison

Published: Wednesday, 14 March 2018 at 8:26 am

Stephen Hawking, the most famous modern-day scientist, has died aged 76.

The British physicist died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday morning, his family said.

Hawking was world renowned for his groundbreaking research and theories into relativity and black holes.

Stephen Hawking dies aged 76: his best quotes
Lucy Hawking reveals the other side of her father Stephen
Stephen Hawking: “My sense of humour keeps me going”

Aged 21, Hawking was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease and told he only had a few years to live. He had to use a wheelchair and was unable to speak except through a voice synthesiser.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Twitter may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Twitter and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

In a statement, his children Lucy, Robert and Tim said, "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."

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as YouTube may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow YouTube and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Hawking’s 1988 book, A Brief History of Time, sold more than 10 million copies and inspired a documentary film by Errol Morris.

A movie was made about his life in 2014, The Theory of Everything. Eddie Redmayne won the Best Actor Oscar for the role.

Hawking also appeared in several TV shows including The Simpsons, Red Dwarf and The Big Bang Theory.

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

On Twitter, Nasa described Hawking as an “ambassador of science” and said he “unlocked a universe of possibilities”.

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Professor Brian Cox said, "He spoke about the value and fragility of human life and civilisation and greatly enhanced both."

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said that "his passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake".

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

And many celebrities and people who worked with Hawking honoured the genius…

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Want to see this content?

Accept and continue

Authors

Ellie HarrisonWriter, RadioTimes.com

Visit us on Twitter

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec