Here's a brief history of Dr. Hawking's life:
1963
First diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
1966
Completes doctorate, awarded fellowship at Cambridge
1968
Publishes highly-technical Large Scale Structure of Space Time
1970
By integrating cornerstones of modern physics – Newtonian Theory of Relativity and quantum theory – Hawking proposes that black holes leak energy and fade to nothing, phenomenon known as Hawking radiation
1976
Hawking argues that when black hole disappears all information about everything ever inside hole disappears too. This leads to Black Hole paradox: If information is lost forever then science can never know the past or predict the future
1985
After catching pneumonia he undergoes tracheotomy. Unable to speak naturally – communicates with head-controlled speech synthesizer
1988
A Brief History of Time published, goes on to sell more than 10 million copies
1993
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2002
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2002
Writes books, essays and scientific articles explaining ways in which universe may be governed. Hawking’s celebrity status is acknowledged by The Simpsons – he is depicted drinking with Homer, suggesting he might steal Homer’s idea that universe is doughnut- shaped. Rock group Pink Floyd uses his synthesised voice for introduction to Keep Talking, on their 1994 album The Division Bell
2007
Becomes first quadriplegic to experience weightlessness on board so-called “vomit comet”, modified plane specially designed to simulate zero gravity
2014
Life story portrayed in film The Theory of Everything, charting his rise to fame and relationship with first wife, Jane