Eddie Redmayne and other stars close to Stephen Hawking remember the late physicist

Stars from Stephen Hawking biopics including Eddie Redmayne have paid tribute to the famous physicist following his death.

Celebrities who worked closely with Stephen Hawking are remembering the late physicist for his contribution to the world of science and his influence on their own life.

The Theory of Everything lead Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking in the 2014 film, released a brief statement honoring Hawking, as mentioned in Variety. “We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet. My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family.”

Redmayne won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal as Hawking in 2015.

Oscar-nominated actress Felicity Jones, who played Jane Hawking alongside Redmayne in The Theory of Everything, released her own statement.

“So sad to hear of Stephen’s death,” Jones said, as mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter. “Stephen Hawking pushed the boundaries of who we are and what we believe. An extraordinary human who could bring humour to the most despairing moments and find hope in the unknown. He showed the world that anything is possible. My thoughts are with his wonderful family in this difficult time.”

Outside of The Theory of Everything, Hawking was also portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch in the BBC television movie Hawking in 2004. Per the Variety story, Cumberbatch wrote a touching statement recalling how much Hawking means to him:

"I was so sad to hear that Stephen has died. I send my heartfelt love and condolences to all his family and colleagues. I feel so lucky to have known such a truly great man who’s profundity was found both in his work and the communication of that work. Both in person and in books. He virtually created the publishing genre of popular science.A heroic feat to bring the wondrous complexities of the universe to all outside of specialists in this field. But truly courageous when considering it was achieved by a man who lived a life trapped in his body from the age of 21 when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.His support of the sciences, art, education and the NHS and charities such as the MND foundation will also live on as will his wickedly funny sense of humor. I will miss our margaritas but will raise one to the stars to celebrate your life and the light of understanding you shone so brightly on them for the rest of us. You were and are a true inspiration for me and for millions around the world. Thank you."

Other stars who paid tribute to Stephen Hawking include the cast of The Big Bang Theory, including Mayim Bialik, as well as Neil deGrasse Tyson and George Takei.

Hawking passed away in his home in Cambridge on Wednesday. He was 76.

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