Stephen Hawking

‘Godspeed Stephen Hawking': Stars React to Physicist's Death

"His theories unlocked a universe of possibilities that we & the world are exploring," NASA said in a tweet

Stephen Hawking, world-renowned theoretical physicist, author of "A Brief History of Time" and director of research at the University of Cambridge's Centre for Theoretical Cosmology, died Wednesday at the age of 76. 

His life story was depicted on the big screen in 2014 for James Marsh's "The Theory of Everything," in which Eddie Redmayne won an Ooscar for his portrayal of Hawking. 

"We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet," Redmayne said in a statement to USA TODAY. "My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family."

Hawking also made appearances on "The Simpsons," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Futurama" and "The Big Bang Theory."

His influence reached scientists and celebrities alike, so it's no wonder so many took to Twitter to pay homage to the man many call the Albert Einstein of our time.

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