Theresa May has been joined by leading scientists and figures from the entertainment industry in paying tribute to Professor Stephen Hawking who died this morning.

The Prime Minister said in a tweet that Professor Hawking was "one of the greatest scientists of his generation" and "his legacy will not be forgotten".

The 76-year-old, whose life's work shaped modern cosmology and helped ordinary people to better understand the universe, passed away in the early hours of this morning, his family confirmed.

Professor Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" was published in 1988 and entered the Guinness Book of Records after staying on The Sunday Times bestseller list for 237 weeks.

The book sold 10m copies and was translated into 40 different languages, but is famously referred to as one of the "greatest unread books in history".


Professor Stephen Hawking was a brilliant and extraordinary mind - one of the great scientists of his generation. His courage, humour and determination to get the most from life was an inspiration. His legacy will not be forgotten. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) March 14, 2018

Image: Eddie Redmayne played the role of the scientist in the film The Theory of Everything

Eddie Redmayne, who won an Oscar for his portrayal as the physicist in The Theory Of Everything, said in a statement: "We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

"My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family."

British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted that Professor Hawking "inspired generations to look beyond our own blue planet and expand our understanding of the universe".

Stephen Hawking inspired the world with his determination to explain the mysteries of the cosmos. But he also showed breathtaking courage to overcome life's adversities and a burning passion to protect our National Health Service. He will be greatly missed. — Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) March 14, 2018

"Look up at the stars and not down at your feet" - Professor Stephen Hawking

1942-2018 https://t.co/h8uWznhEpb pic.twitter.com/RVeQx2BTxP — Cambridge University (@Cambridge_Uni) March 14, 2018

Physicist and television personality Professor Brian Cox wrote: "What a remarkable life.

"His contributions to science will be used as long as there are scientists, and there are many more scientists because of him."

Professor Hawking contracted motor neurone disease in 1963 aged 21.

Despite doctors giving him just two years to live, he went on to study cosmology at Cambridge and became one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein.

Sad to hear about Stephen Hawking. What a remarkable life. His contributions to science will be used as long as there are scientists, and there are many more scientists because of him. He spoke about the value and fragility of human life and civilisation and greatly enhanced both — Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking was a defining force in the world of science whose loss will be felt in every corner of the globe. I was sad that we didn’t agree on everything, but he was still a hero to me as one of our greatest ever thinkers - he inspired with his courage as well as his words. — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) March 14, 2018

“It matters if you just don’t give up.” Remembering Stephen Hawking. — Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) March 14, 2018

RIP Stephen Hawking - you changed the way we see the universe. — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 14, 2018

At the age of 37 Hawking was the Lucasian professor of mathematics at Cambridge, a chair formerly held by Isaac Newton and the "father of the computer" Charles Babbage.

For much of his time in the public eye his illness confined him to a wheelchair and, from 1985, he communicated through a computer.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association's website went down earlier after an influx in donations after Professor Hawking's death.

American astrophysicist 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.

"Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018."

Rather lovely to hear MND Association @mndassoc announce that its website is currently down after an influx of donations following the death of Professor Stephen Hawking. They're thanking everyone and directing donors to https://t.co/uGQWmKAWcG #MND — Jonathan Samuels (@jonathansamuels) March 14, 2018

Remembering Stephen Hawking, a renowned physicist and ambassador of science. His theories unlocked a universe of possibilities that we & the world are exploring. May you keep flying like superman in microgravity, as you said to astronauts on @Space_Station in 2014 pic.twitter.com/FeR4fd2zZ5 — NASA (@NASA) March 14, 2018

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. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) March 14, 2018

We lost a great one today. Stephen Hawking will be remembered for his incredible contributions to science – making complex theories and concepts more accessible to the masses. He’ll also be remembered for his spirit and unbounded pursuit to gain a complet…https://t.co/z1du859Gy2 — Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) March 14, 2018

Comedy actor David Walliams has also paid tribute to Professor Hawking, with the physicist having appeared in his sketch show Little Britain.

He wrote: "Goodbye #StephenHawking Thank you for being - amongst everything else - a great laugh."

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said on Twitter that "we lost a great one today" and added: "Stephen Hawking will be remembered for his incredible contributions to science - making complex theories and concepts more accessible to the masses."

Stephen Hawking dies peacefully at home

'Jane gave him reason to live'

Professor Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, said in a statement that he had died at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday.

They 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."

Have fun out there among the stars. pic.twitter.com/S285MTwGtp — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 14, 2018

Goodbye #StephenHawking Thank you for being - amongst everything else - a great laugh. pic.twitter.com/M1d1GEsv9r — David Walliams (@davidwalliams) March 14, 2018

They asked for privacy but added their thanks to "everyone who has been by Professor Hawking's side and supported him - throughout his life".

:: Stephen Hawking: A brief history of his life

The world-renowned astrophysicist was given more than a dozen honorary degrees in his career and was awarded a CBE in 1982.

It was his 1988 book A Brief History Of Time that cemented his position as perhaps the best-known scientist of his time.

R.I.P. Stephen Hawking. Among his many profound contributions to this world was this simple sentiment: “It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.” — Samantha Power (@SamanthaJPower) March 14, 2018

The world has lost a beautiful mind and a brilliant scientist. RIP Stephen Hawking — Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) March 14, 2018

Professor Hawking's first attempt to write a popular book about the physics and the universe's beginnings was a massive success, spending 237 weeks on the Sunday Times best sellers list.

His life was retold in the 2014 film The Theory Of Everything, which starred Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones.

Professor Hawking, who became renowned for his sense of humour, also performed cameos in the US comedy series The Big Bang Theory as well as The Simpsons and Star Trek.

But in between his screen appearances, his amazing mind tackled everything from the origins of the universe to the possibility of time travel and the mystery of the solar system's black holes.

From Cambridge to Springfield

Image: Pope Francis was one of those who met Stephen Hawking

He once described belief in a God who intervenes in the universe "to make sure the good guys win or get rewarded in the next life" as wishful thinking.

"But one can't help asking the question: Why does the universe exist?" he said in 1991.

"I don't know an operational way to give the question or the answer, if there is one, a meaning. But it bothers me."

The University of Cambridge will open a book of condolence at Gonville and Caius College.