A look back on the life of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking married Elaine Mason at St. Barnabas Church in Cambridge, England, September 16, 1995.  (Reuters)

"Speak of Me" was an exhibition that explored how new technologies were improving communication for the disabled. (Reuters)

Microsoft President Bill Gates (L), along with University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alec Broers, meets with Professor Stephen Hawking during a trip to Cambridge University October 7, 1997.  (Reuters)

During a meeting of sceience academics, British professor Stephen Hawking is met by Pope Benedict XVI.  (Reuters)

Former South African President Nelson Mandela (C) and Stephen Hawking greet each other at Mandela's Foundation office. (Reuters)

U.S. President Barack Obama presented Hawking with the prestigious honor in the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C., August 12, 2009. (Reuters)

Jane Wilde Hawking (C) poses with her ex-husband Stephen Hawking and actors Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones as they arrive at the UK Premiere of the film "The Theory of Everything" on December 9, 2014.   (Reuters)

Physicist Stephen hawking arrives the charity premiere for the movie “Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events” in London on December 16, 2004.  (Reuters)

During a reception for Leonard Cheshire Disability charity at St James's Palace in London May 29, 2014, Stephen Hawking is met by Britain's Queen Elizabeth.  (Reuters)

Hawking exits the stage following an announcement of the Breakthrough Starshot initiative with investor Yuri Milner in New York. (Reuters)