When the famous theoretical physicist was first diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) at the age of 21, he was given only a few years to live. Fifty years later, the world has lost not only one of the greatest minds of our time, but also an inspiring man with a great sense of humor.
He died in the 76th year British physicist Stephen Hawking, and the news was announced to the public by his children Lucy, Robert and Tim Hawking.
While most people with a degenerative disorder would hardly laugh, perhaps even abandon their ambitions and passion, Stephen defiantly overcame his illness and proved that truly a man with a sense of humor.
When asked on The Radio Times what inspires him to keep going, the eminent physicist said: "My work and sense of humor. It's also important not to get angry, no matter how hard life gets. We can lose hope if we don't know how to laugh at ourselves and at life in general."
And so he lived. During his long life, he taught us the complexities of the universe, while at the same time making us laugh again and again, reminding us that there is no doubt that one of the smartest people in the world.
Here is 5 moments when Stephen Hawking really made us laugh.
When he 'ran over' John Oliver
When he shared a beer with Homer Simpson
