The World's Greatest Living Scientist, Stephen Hawking Died At 76
He famously suffered from Lou Gehrig's Disease
Stephen Hawking, 1979 in Princeton, New Jersey. Photo: Getty
Stephen Hawking
Just as the world was still recovering from the devastating news that Hubert de Givenchy has passed, we art hit again by more saddening news. British theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking passed away today at age 76. Arguably one of the most famous scientists of our time, Hawking suffered from Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) since he was only 21. The disease is a neurodegenerative one that affects the nerve cells in the brain as well as the spinal cord, leading to paralysis and eventually death. Already, Hawking defied the odds by living this long, when doctors predicted that he only had a few more years to live, after being diagnosed in his early twenties.
Hawking is most known for his work with quantum physics and black holes. This lead him to release his iconic book "A Brief History Of Time", that sold over 10 million copies internationally. Despite his condition, Hawking continued his writing and research. But his influence doesn't just resonate in the academic realm, his humour and incredible wit turned him into a full-fledged celebrity. He made science cool and inspired thousands of people with his public appearances, talks and lectures. He even made several guest appearances on television shows like The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory.
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The 2014 film titled 'The Theory Of Everything' detailed his life and his relationship with his wife, Jane Hawking. Eddie Redmayne played Hawking and won an Academy Award for his performance. The film itself garnered numerous accolades and nominations. This only shone a larger spotlight on Stephen Hawking's genius and inspirational story.
After 76 years of continuously searching and discovering the secrets of the universe, the once world's greatest living scientist is now no longer. It was announced by a family spokesman, followed by a statement from his 3 children, "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."
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Professor Stephen Hawking and Eddie Redmayne attend the UK Premiere of "The Theory Of Everything" at Odeon Leicester Square on December 9, 2014 in London, England. Photo: Getty
Stephen Hawking
Hawking has famously told us all to "Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet." Now, when we do look up to the stars, we will remember this great man and his relentless pursuit of knowledge.
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