The Theory of Everything star Eddie Redmayne penned an emotional tribute to renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, who died on Tuesday.
In a statement to Deadline, Redmayne offered his condolences to Hawking's family and everyone who was touched by his work. "We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet," Redmayne wrote. "My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family."
Redmayne played Hawking in the 2014 film and took home the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the scientist.
Although they only met five days before Redmayne began filming the movie based on Hawking's life, he was just as impressed with Redmayne's portrayal of him as everyone else. Following the film's release, the legendary physicist congratulated Redmayne on Facebook for his exceptional performance. "Well done Eddie. I'm very proud of you," Hawking wrote.
His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) March 14, 2018
Redmayne's tribute was one of many that poured in from Hawking's famous fans after news of his death broke. His Theory of Everything co-star Felicity Jones, who played Hawking's wife Jane in the filn, also expressed her sadness at the loss of a man who "pushed the boundaries of who we are and what we believe."
"[Hawking was] an extraordinary human who could bring humor to the most despairing moments and find hope in the unknown," Jones said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "He showed the world that anything is possible. My thoughts are with his wonderful family in this difficult time," she wrote.
As we near Pi day (3.14) I join the global community in mourning the loss of the greatest physicist of our era. #StephenHawking is free from the physical constraints of this earthly condition we all exist in and he is soaring above us now marveling at it all. pic.twitter.com/o3V0TZrppj
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) March 14, 2018
Despite being diagnosed with ALS when he was just 21 years old, Hawking went on to become one of the most respected scientists of the 21st century. A best-selling author and Albert Einstein Award winner, Hawking was one of the most sought-after physicists, providing his opinion on theories of human existence, time travel and the origin of the universe.
Hawking was 76 years old.
there’s a big black hole in my heart hours before Pi day. Rest In Peace @Steven_Hawking... See you in the next ❤️
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 14, 2018
I am very saddened to hear of Stephen Hawking’s passing. His book was an enormous influence on me in college and meeting and getting to talk with him was one of the great thrills of my life. You are shining in the heavens you so loved now!
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) March 14, 2018
Stephen Hawking's historic breakthroughs in science advanced humanity’s understanding of the universe even as the extraordinarily courageous life he led inspired us all. He will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten.
— Al Gore (@algore) March 14, 2018
Just sitting here absolutely shattered about Stephen Hawking.
— Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) March 14, 2018
Dear Stephen,Will Remember Our luncheon Forever. It was amazing🙌🏻.I Know we argued about The Value Of History (“Cher,when Time Travel Is perfected HISTORY Will Obsolete “) But as I Told you ”history Is like a friend,and “#’s are like🐓scratches to me😱 Dyslexia
— Cher (@cher) March 14, 2018
RIP Dear ❤️
