Stephen Hawking was an English cosmologist, theoretical physicist and author. At the time of his death, he was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge.
Hawking made the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Hawking was the first person to use a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics to explain a theory of cosmology.
Hawking has written many popular science books in which he discusses his theories and cosmology in general. Hawking’s A Brief History of Time appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for 237 weeks, which is a record.
Hawking appeared in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1993. He also made an appearance on The Simpsons in 1999 and had a recurring role in The Big Bang Theory. He has also appeared in many documentaries, including The Real Stephen Hawking (2001), Stephen Hawking: Profile (2002) and Hawking (2013). The Theory of Everything, a Hollywood film released in 2014, was based on Hawking’s life.
Hawking was ranked number 25 in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons in 2002. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.