The subject of our next story has certainly INFLUENCED the way we live and think! Even though his body was paralysed by disease, his brilliant mind raced across time and space. Renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76. A spokesman made the announcement for the family early on Wednesday. In a statement, Hawking's children - Lucy, Robert, and Tim - said, in their own words, "he was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years."

Stephen Hawking was an English scientist and cosmologist.

The best-known theoretical physicist of his time, Hawking wrote so lucidly of the mysteries of space, time and black holes that his book, "A Brief History of Time", became an international best-seller, making him one of science's greatest minds since Albert Einstein.

He was the first to set out a theory of cosmology, explained by a union of the general theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics. Hawkings was also a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum-mechanics.

The science genius also made appearances in films and Television - and has commented on his place as a pop cultural icon.

Hawking made his first appearance in an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" in 1993, playing a holographic simulation of himself.

In 1999, he had another appearance on "The Simpsons" and between 2012-2017, he also guest-starred in "The Big Bang Theory" - the second highest-rated sitcom on US television.

When he was 21, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a debilitating disease that left him paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. But he stunned doctors by living with the normally fatal illness for more than 50 years.

Hawking died peacefully at his home in the British university city of Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday.