Stephen Hawking Autograph

Profession:
(1942-2018) English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge.

Year of Birth: 1942

Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 in Oxford, England to Frank and Isobel Hawking. He was the eldest of four children and the only boy. He had a younger sister, Mary, and two younger brothers, Philip and Edward. From an early age, Hawking was a gifted student and was especially interested in mathematics and science.

Hawking attended Oxford University, where he earned his degree in physics in 1962. After graduating, he went on to pursue his doctorate at Cambridge University. During his time at Cambridge, Hawking became increasingly interested in theoretical physics and cosmology. He began to develop his own theories, ultimately becoming one of the world's leading experts in the field.

In 1974, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzed him over the years. Despite his diagnosis, Hawking continued to work and made major contributions to the field of cosmology. He wrote several books, including A Brief History of Time and The Universe in a Nutshell, both of which became bestsellers.

In 1979, Hawking was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the highest honors a scientist can receive. He was also appointed Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, a post held by Isaac Newton in 1663. In 2009, Hawking was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Hawking has made appearances in various movies and television shows. He has also written several books for children. His autobiography, My Brief History, was published in 2013. Hawking's work has been widely celebrated and he has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Stephen Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, at the age of 76. He was an inspirational figure and one of the most influential scientists of our time. His work has had a profound impact on the field of cosmology and his legacy will live on for years to come.