Stephen Hawking was most likely known for his theories on black holes and his pursuit of a unified theory that would have offered mankind insight 'into the mind of God'. His three children announced that he has passed away at age 76.
Hawking became more well known as he did stints on some popular tv shows including 'The Simpsons'
He was also fodder on 'The Big Bang Theory'
Hawking had suffered from a rare early-onset form of ALS most of his life, which left him wheelchair-bound and almost entirely paralyzed. He could still communicate with the aid of computer and the muscles in his cheek.
The world-renowned British scientist wrote several landmark books, including "A Brief History of Time." His black hole theories and discoveries were so vast ... the radiation that comes from them is called Hawking radiation.
The 2014 movie about his life, "The Theory of Everything," was nominated for Best Picture, and Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking, won the Oscar for Best Actor.
Hawking had reportedly turned down Knighthood, and, amazingly, never won the Nobel Prize. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom here in the U.S.
He was even on an episode of 'Family Guy', but Seth Mac Farlane did his voice.
RIP Stephen Hawking.