Stephen William Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge. But do you know he was one of the coolest scientist to have ever walked on Earth? Here we present to you, some lesser known facts about Stephen Hawking.

His key exploration was in the areas of theoretical cosmology, focusing on the evolution of the universe as governed by the laws of general relativity. Stephen was well known for his work related to the study of black holes - With the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, a theory called ‘Hawking radiation,' he became the first to set forth a cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Hawking suffered from a rare and life-threatening condition of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a condition he suffered all of his adult life. The illness started when he was 21 and pursuing his PhD from Cambridge University. For a major part of his later life, he was almost completely paralyzed and communicated through a speech generating device. Not succumbing to the despair of the disease, Hawking devoted all his life to his work and research.

He was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge for around three decades and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

For his contribution to the study of universe and his pioneering work in cosmology, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

His famous books include 'Brief History of Time,' 'Theory Of Everything,' 'The Grand Design,' 'The Universe In A Nutshell,' and 'George's Secret Key To The Universe.'

But his love life wasn't as interesting as his theories. He was married twice, first to Jane Wilde (1965-1995) with whom he had three children Robert Hawking, Lucy Hawking and Timothy Hawking. The movie Theory Of Everything, starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones was based on the love life of Jane and Hawking. Inhe 1980s, Hawking began to develop feelings for one of his caretakers, Elaine Mason and he married her in the year 1995. But the couple divorced in 2006.

Hawking’s demise resonated around the world, and his former wife, Jane, released a statement along with their children.

It read: “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 humor 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.”

We certainly will. Rest in Peace, Stephen Hawking – there never was and never will be someone like you.