Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76. The renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist passed away early Wednesday morning at his home in Cambridge, according to a family spokesperson.

“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today,” his children Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement. “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 humor 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.”

Dr. Hawking, who was diagnosed with the motor neuron disease ALS at age 21, was best known for his work with black holes and published the international bestseller “A Brief History of Time” in 1988. The legendary physicist, who held more than a dozen honorary degrees, also appeared in several television shows, including “The Simpsons” and “The Big Bang Theory.” In 2014, his story was told in the Eddie Redmayne-starring biopic “The Theory of Everything.”

Many people took to social media to remember the legendary scientist. Take a look at the tweets below:

Social Media Remembers Famed Theoretical Physicist Stephen Hawking

Never lose sight of the wonder of our universe. Thank you to Stephen Hawking for making it brighter. — Gennifer Hutchison (@GennHutchison) March 14, 2018

I’ve been in awe of Stephen Hawking since I was a kid & fascinated with the universe for as long as I can remember. Thank you for inspiring so many, encouraging people to think deeper, and just blessing this world with your mind — Samara Redway (@samararedway) March 14, 2018

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

Stephen Hawking once said, “I’m not afraid of death, but I’m in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.” RIP Professor Hawking, and may we all strive to live as fully as he did. — Andrew Ng (@AndrewYNg) March 14, 2018

Thank you Stephen Hawking for not just teaching but following this in letter and spirit in your own life. You have left us with a lifetime of motivation to carry on with… pic.twitter.com/Gdtvwr11M9 — richa singh (@richa_singh) March 14, 2018

Like millions of others, I read “A Brief History of Time” as a teenager and it opened my eyes to a new universe. Thank you Stephen Hawking for expanding our collective imagination and curiosity. You made science an adventure. RIP pic.twitter.com/blCQIe70Oy — Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking was far more than than a great physicist. He was a friendly, happy, playful friend to anyone who had the pleasure to meet him. He inspired so many, in ways far beyond his profound vision of the universe. I would say his humanity was a far greater contribution. — Richard Garriott (@RichardGarriott) March 14, 2018

I rarely cry at the death of people I don’t know personally, but the announcement of the passing of Stephen Hawking just brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful genius this earth has lost. — Dana Goldberg (@DGComedy) March 14, 2018

Super heroes with special powers like in the comic books don’t exist. But when I first learned about Stephen Hawking and his mind and his work, even as a kid, I knew he was the closest thing we had to those gifted individuals I read about in my books all the time. Truly. — Jon Risinger (@JonRisinger) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking was an amazing man.

“Science is not only a disciple

of reason, but also, one of romance and passion”

RIP — Sweetcher ♡ (@sweetcher62) March 14, 2018

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” — #StephenHawking #RIPStephenHawking pic.twitter.com/GWQytmrrtP — David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) March 14, 2018

Wow. RIP Stephen Hawking. pic.twitter.com/EzqMev0NeO — Blair Imani (@BlairImani) March 14, 2018

R.I.P. to Stephen Hawking. Losing him is truly a loss to all humanity, but his contributions will never be forgotten. He’s now amongst the stars. — William LeGate (@williamlegate) March 14, 2018

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” – Stephen Hawking May the universe be forever brightened by your light. Science and humanity are both better for you having joined us in this life. ⚛️ — Jess Phoenix (@jessphoenix2018) March 14, 2018

We were on earth at the same time as Stephen Hawking. That’s kind of a miraculous thing. We breathed the same air as the man who demystified the stars. — Geraldine (@everywhereist) March 14, 2018

Stephen Hawking was a rockstar to me. I read a Brief History of Time back in my teens which helped deepen my love of science and years later in college getting tix to see him talk was more important than any concert. Thank you for contributing so much to humanity. We’ll miss you. pic.twitter.com/79JiLRB7le — Scott Santens (@scottsantens) March 14, 2018

Farewell to a brilliant mind.

Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge in the brief time you were with us. #ripstephenhawking pic.twitter.com/nUF5oynQWi — Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) March 14, 2018

Back to the stars you go, where you belong. #RIPStephenHawking https://t.co/pyHZzCEcxr — Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) March 14, 2018

My heart is broken. Stephen Hawking has been one of my heroes – a true giant in the world who really did show ‘impossible is nothing’. His determination and brilliance was awe inspiring. I just can’t believe it. https://t.co/7lWPfRHds5 — George Aylett (@GeorgeAylett) March 14, 2018

In loving memory of Stephen Hawking. It was an honor to have him on The #BigBangTheory. Thank you for inspiring us and the world. pic.twitter.com/9rWoYqIToy — The Big Bang Theory (@bigbangtheory) 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

How are you remembering Stephen Hawking today? Do you have a favorite memory of the renowned physicist and cosmologist? Share it in the comments section below!

Photo credit: Doug Wheller, Wikimedia Commons

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