Stephen Hawking Dead At 76 -- Celebs React

World renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking has died.
He was 76.
A family spokesperson confirmed the news late Tuesday night. The legendary scientist’s children, Lucy, Robert, and Tim released the following statement to The Guardian:

“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.”

Hawking was widely considered to be the world’s greatest living scientist. Hawking is responsible for groundbreaking discoveries, including learning that black holes aren’t entirely black; they emit radiation. He was also an author — his most popular book being A Brief History Of Time, which has sold over 10 million copies to date.
When he was 21, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS. In 1963, doctors predicted he only had a few more years, but he persevered, famously using a speech synthesizer to communicate via computerized voice. The 2014 film The Theory Of Everything, starring Eddie Redmayne as Hawking, showcased the astronomer’s life, highlighting his career and two marriages.
His loss is greatly felt, not just throughout the science community, but in all the cosmos. See some of the most passionate Twitter reactions (below):

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

I am very saddened to hear of Stephen Hawking’s passing. His book was an enormous influence on me in college and meeting and getting to talk with him was one of the great thrills of my life. You are shining in the heavens you so loved now!
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) March 14, 2018

He lives . Forever our most beautiful mind & hero . Long live #StephenHawking https://t.co/MtvkJfyCXT
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) March 14, 2018

there├óΓé¼Γäós a big black hole in my heart hours before Pi day. Rest In Peace @Steven_Hawking… See you in the next ├ó┬¥┬ñ├»┬╕┬Å
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 14, 2018

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/gr5PR5hT5y
— Lauren Jauregui (@LaurenJauregui) March 14, 2018

RIP Stephen Hawking. What a marvel.⭐️
— Garbage (@garbage) March 14, 2018

We can’t let Stephen Hawking’s passing slow the formation of Trump’s Space Force.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) March 14, 2018

Rest In Peace Stephen Hawking. ├░┼╕ΓÇÖΓÇ¥ pic.twitter.com/QxvrltnDJq
— Sharon Stone (@sharonstone) March 14, 2018

YOU KNEW THIS UNIVERSE BETTER THAN THE REST OF US…AND NOW YOU PLAY IN SOME FAR AWAY PART OF IT. YOU CHANGED THE WORLD AND LEFT AN IMPACT…A REMARKABLE GENIUS WE WONT SOON FORGET. ENDLESS THANK YOUS AND BLESSINGS TO THE HAWKING FAMILY. GOD BLESS STEPHEN HAWKING. pic.twitter.com/UxnNknbMaB
— Steven Tyler (@IamStevenT) March 14, 2018

I had the honor of interviewing Stephen Hawking several times. He was inspirational, always optimistic and had a wicked sense of humor too. Humanity is richer for his life and curiosity. Rest well dear professor.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) March 14, 2018

Rest peacefully, Stephen.
[Image via WENN.]