Stephen Hawking’s life in pictures

Renowned physicist and author Stephen Hawking today passed away at the age of 76. He was regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Albert Einstein. He made cameo television appearances in “The Simpsons” and “Star Trek”. (Source: REUTERS/File)

Stephen Hawking was 21 when he was afflicted by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) but he stunned doctors by living with the normally fatal illness for more than 50 years. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

British astrophysicist Professor Stephen Hawking and his wife Elaine they married in 1995. (Source: REUTERS/File)

Pope Benedict XVI (R) greets British professor Stephen Hawking during a meeting of science academics at the Vatican in 2008. (Source: REUTERS/File)

Professor Stephen Hawking was presented with illuminated Freedom scroll by the Chamberlain of the City of London Peter Kane as he receives the Honorary Freedom of the City of London during a ceremony at the Guildhall in the City of London in 2017. (Source: AP/File)

Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking addressing a public meeting at Cape Town in 2008. (Source: REUTERS/File)

Popular science comedy show The Big Bang Theory tweeted a photo of the cast with Stephen Hawking. He was a recurring character on the sit-com. The official handle tweeted, "In loving memory of Stephen Hawking. It was an honor to have him on The Big Bang Theory. Thank you for inspiring us and the world." (Source: Twitter)

Professor Stephen Hawking with actor Eddie Redmayne, who portrayed him in the movie 'The Theory of Everything' which earned Redmayne a best actor Academy award in the year 2015. (Source: AFP)

Microsoft founder Bill Gates (left) accompanied by University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alec Broers, meets Professor Stephen Hawking on a visit to Cambridge University in 1997. (Source: REUTERS/File)

Late former South African President Nelson Mandela (right) with professor Stephen Hawking at Mandela's Foundation office, Johannesburg in 2008. (Source: REUTERS/File)

President Barack Obama presents the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Stephen Hawking. (Source: AP/File)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth (L) meets Stephen Hawking during a reception at St James's Palace in London May 29, 2014. (Source: REUTERS/File)