Actor Eddie Redmayne, who won the Oscar for best actor in 2015 portraying Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything,” paid tribute to the revolutionary scientist.
He said: "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 met the brilliant professor while researching the role, which he described as one of the great moments of his life.
The actor said: "When Stephen saw the film, I was rehearsing so I couldn't see him beforehand but I saw him just after he went in and I said 'hey Stephen I'm very nervous, but please do let me know what you think'."
"He took a while to respond and said in his iconic voice 'I will let you know what I think, good or otherwise'."
He later joked about Redmayne’s portrayal in "The Theory of Everything:" "Unfortunately, Eddie did not inherit my good looks."
Hawking died Wednesday morning at the age of 76 peacefully at his home in Cambridge.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
