Stephen Hawking was a renowned theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe. Despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at a young age, which left him almost completely paralyzed, Hawking continued his groundbreaking work and became one of the most famous scientists of his time. He is best known for his work on black holes, the nature of space and time, and the origins of the universe. Hawking's popular science books, such as A Brief History of Time, made complex scientific concepts accessible to a wider audience and inspired countless people around the world.