Stephen Hawking, the British theoretical physicist, author of the worldwide 
best-selling book 'A Brief History of Time' and the subject of the 
Oscar-nominated film 'The Theory of Everything,' has passed away at age 76. 
His children, Lucy, Robert and Tim confirmed the news to the BBC Tuesday in a statement: 
"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."
Hawking was a child prodigy who began his storied academic career in 1959, 
entering Oxford University at the age of 17. 
He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 1963 at the age of 21. 
At the time, his doctors gave him a life expectancy of two years. 
But of course he defied medical science and went on to have a 
long and distinguished academic career at Cambridge University.
Due to the condition, Hawking was gradually paralyzed over decades, 
and he was only able to communicate using a single cheek muscle attached 
to a speech-generating device. Despite his disability, Hawking was a leader 
in his field, becoming an expert on black holes and 
giving his name to the phenomenon of Hawking radiation.
He achieved worldwide fame when his 1988 popular science book 
'A Brief History of Time' became a global bestseller and sold 10 million copies. 
Errol Morris adapted the book for the 1992 documentary 
film 'A Brief History of Time,' with music by Philip Glass.
Hawking's life was portrayed on TV and the big screen, first in 2004 
in the BBC television film Hawking starring Benedict Cumberbatch, 
and later in James Marsh's 2014 film 'The Theory of Everything.' 
The latter film starred Eddie Redmayne as Hawking with Felicity Jones
playing his first wife Jane Wilde Hawking. The movie was nominated for 
five Oscars, including best picture, with Redmayne winning best actor.
In a statement, Redmayne expressed his sadness at Hawkings’ passing: 
"We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the 
funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet,” he said. 
“My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family."
Jones had this to say in her own statement: 
"So sad to hear of Stephen's death. Stephen Hawking pushed the boundaries 
of who we are and what we believe. An extraordinary human who could bring 
humour to the most despairing moments and find hope in the unknown. 
He showed the world that anything is possible. 
My thoughts are with his wonderful family in this difficult time."
Cumberbatch shared his grief as well: "I send my heartfelt love and 
condolences to all his family and colleagues. I feel so lucky to have known 
such a truly great man whose profundity was found both in his 
work and the communication of that work. Both in person and in books…
You were and are a true inspiration for me and for millions around the world. Thank you."
Outside of academia, Hawking became something of a pop culture icon, 
known widely for his wicked sense of humor as well as memorable 
appearances on ‘The Simpsons,' ‘Futurama,' 
‘The Big Bang Theory' and ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation.' 
Others in Hollywood and the science world expressed their 
feelings on the beloved genius’ death via social media. 
Neil deGrasse Tyson tweeted, "His passing has left an intellectual 
vacuum in his wake. But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of 
vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure.”
Writer-actor Kumail Nanjiani posted this: "If you haven’t, read 
'A Brief History of Time.' It’ll make the world feel more amazing and beautiful and strange. 
It’ll also make you feel smart and stupid all at once.” 
"Our world has lost a shining light. Stephen Hawking defied expectation," 
tweeted journalist Dan Rather. "Blessed with a brilliant mind and uncommon grace, 
he opened so many minds to the wonders of our universe. 
Courageous and unbowed by adversity, he believed deeply in the power reason."
And George Takei wrote, “One of the greatest minds our species has 
ever produced is returned to the stars. It is a great loss to the scientific community. 
He was a hero to so many. Stephen Hawking, let us honor your 
work by respecting always the importance of scientific inquiry.”
Hawking is survived by his three children, 
including the journalist and novelist Lucy Hawking.
To read more on the life and work of Stephen Hawking, 
as well as Hollywood’s reaction to his loss, head to THR.com. 
And tell us, what impact did Hawking have on you? Let us know in the comments. 
For The Hollywood Reporter News, I’m Lyndsey Rodrigues. 
