We’re barely three months into 2018 and it is turning out to be a sad year already. After the shocking news of Bollywood Diva Sridevi’s demise, the world woke up to the news of losing yet another gem of a person. Renowned physicist, cosmologist and authentic geek, Stephen Hawking finally became one with the cosmos, a subject he dedicated his life to.
Apart from his incomparable and insurmountable contribution to the field of science, Stephen Hawking also made pop culture more interesting. Only a genius like him makes complicated subjects like cosmology and physics seem entertaining and appealing. Not just that, his dream to visit Taj Mahal made the Indian government more considerate of disabled people wanting to visit the country’s monuments.
He appeared in some of the most famous pop culture shows like The Big Bang Theory, The Simpsons and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Here’s remembering him from those good days.
1. The Simpsons
Hawking’s debut on television happened in 1999, on the show The Simpsons, a year after he wrote the infamous ‘A Brief History of Time’. He came to the show thrice after that with special appearances. He also called the show ‘best on American television’.
2. The Big Bang Theory
The show, which has two theoretical physicists, one astrophysicist, and an engineer as its main characters, idolised and loved Hawking. So it was a cherry on the cake for the cast and crew of the show as well as the fans when Stephen Hawking met Sheldon Cooper on the hit comedy as himself.
When the news of his demise came out this morning, the show tweeted a throwback picture from when they met him, with a loving message.
In loving memory of Stephen Hawking. It was an honor to have him on The #BigBangTheory. Thank you for inspiring us and the world. pic.twitter.com/9rWoYqIToy
— The Big Bang Theory (@bigbangtheory) March 14, 2018
3. Star Trek: The Next Generation
Most people may not remember this episode, but Hawking also starred in one episode of Star Trek Pokerspiel wherein he played poker with Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton. He became the only celebrity to play himself on the show.
4. The Theory of Everything
The movie based on Stephen Hawking’s life was adapted from his wife Jane’s memoir. Eddie Redmayne played Hawking and the performance was phenomenal. It even won him an Academy award for his work.
Apart from these, there have been several documentaries made on this legendary cosmologist, who lived more than 5 decades from what his doctors had expected. Despite his struggle with the neuro-degenerative disease ALS, he did not let his disability get in the way of his genius.
There is so much to learn from his life, his teachings and his theories. He may be one with the cosmos now, but our world is going to be devoid of his brilliance forever.