Stephen Hawking, Theoretical Physicist and Author, Dies at 76

By Erin Nyren, Variety.com

LOS ANGELES - Stephen Hawking, the legendary theoretical physicist and author of 'A Brief History of Time,” has died at age 76.

A family spokesman confirmed the news to the BBC.

Hawking was one of the most notable and well-known scientists of the past century, responsible for numerous advances in the fields of cosmology and physics.

Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim said in a statement to the Guardian in the early hours of Wednesday morning: '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.”

The film 'The Theory of Everything,” starring Eddie Redmayne as Hawking, was based on the early years of Hawking's life.

More to come