Stephen Hawking: A Legacy Of Humor And Genius In The Face Of Adversity

Stephen Hawking was as renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries on black holes as he was for his ability to carve out a distinguished life amid the slow and relentless spread of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. His journey, marked by intellectual brilliance and a profound sense of humor, inspires many around the globe. Despite receiving a grim prognosis in his early 20s, Hawking transformed his challenges into opportunities, proving that laughter can coexist with hardship.

Indeed, Hawking's wit was a beacon of light in his life, shared through his books, interviews, and TV appearances. His ability to poke fun at his own circumstances made him not just a scientist but an unlikely pop culture icon. He often turned complex scientific concepts into relatable humor, endearing himself to audiences far beyond academia.

Here's a look at some of his best jokes, showcasing the unique blend of intelligence and humor that defined Stephen Hawking's legacy.

Biography

Stephen William Hawking was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. He was a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, and he is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant scientific minds of our time. His most famous work includes the book "A Brief History of Time," which attempts to explain complex topics in cosmology to a general audience.

Table of Contents

• When Hawking Joked About Brexit with Theresa May
• When Hawking Praised the Power of Zayn Malik
• When Hawking Dissed John Oliver
• When Hawking Understood the Power of an Airport Bookstore
• When Hawking Mocked Eddie Redmayne's Good Looks
• When Hawking Made Fun of His Theories
• When Hawking Made a Wisecrack About His Disability
• When Hawking Made a Quip About Gordon Ramsay's Voice
• When Hawking Faked His Own Death
• When Hawking Argued Against Destiny

When Hawking Joked About Brexit with Theresa May

At the 2016 Pride of Britain Awards, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May delivered a rousing speech in praise of Hawking before presenting him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The esteemed physicist thanked the Prime Minister before going for the jugular: "I deal in tough mathematical questions every day, but please don’t ask me to help with Brexit."

When Hawking Praised the Power of Zayn Malik

In April 2015, while appearing via hologram at the Sydney Opera House, Hawking was asked about the "cosmological effect" of Zayn Malik leaving One Direction. He humorously responded, "Finally, a question about something important. My advice to any heartbroken young girl is to pay close attention to the study of theoretical physics. It would not be beyond the realms of possibility that somewhere outside of our own universe lies another different universe. And in that universe, Zayn is still in One Direction."

When Hawking Dissed John Oliver

In June 2014, Hawking made an appearance on John Oliver's show "Last Week Tonight." When Oliver asked if there could be a universe where he was smarter than Hawking, the physicist replied, "Yes, and also a universe where you're funny." This witty exchange showcased Hawking's sharp humor and quick wit.

When Hawking Understood the Power of an Airport Bookstore

In a 2004 interview with The New York Times, Hawking was asked why he wrote pop-science books despite his intense erudition. He answered candidly, "I want my books sold on airport bookstalls." This quote highlights his desire to reach a broader audience beyond academia.

When Hawking Mocked Eddie Redmayne's Good Looks

Prior to the February 2015 Academy Awards, Hawking was happy to let actor Eddie Redmayne use his computerized voice box for the film "The Theory of Everything." However, he humorously lamented, "Unfortunately, Eddie did not inherit my good looks." This playful jab at Redmayne's appearance added a personal touch to their relationship.

When Hawking Made Fun of His Theories

In a 2009 video, Hawking held a party for time travelers but didn’t send out invitations until after the event, expressing disappointment when no one showed up. "What a shame," he said, "I was hoping a future Ms. Universe was going to step through the door." This joke illustrates his ability to blend humor with theoretical physics.

When Hawking Made a Wisecrack About His Disability

During a trip to Jerusalem in December 2006, Hawking humorously pointed out the advantages of his disability: "The only advantage of my disability is that I do not get put on a lot of boring committees." He also acknowledged the downside, stating, "I cannot go anywhere in the world without being recognized; the wheelchair gives me away."

When Hawking Made a Quip About Gordon Ramsay's Voice

As part of Comic Relief's Red Nose Day in March 2017, Hawking auditioned celebrities to provide new vocals for his voice box. After hearing Gordon Ramsay's pitch, he quipped, "I don’t think anyone would take me f---ing seriously if I sounded like that." This humorous remark showcased his sharp wit and comedic timing.

When Hawking Faked His Own Death

Following his passing in March 2018, BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh shared a humorous anecdote about his first interview with Hawking. When a camera operator accidentally yanked a cable, causing an alarm to sound, Hawking slumped forward as if unplugged from his life support. The anxious attendees rushed over only to find him alive and amused by the situation— the alarm was merely a computer losing power.

When Hawking Argued Against Destiny

In his 1993 book, "In Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays," Hawking argued against the notion of destiny. He pointed out, "I have noticed that even people who claim everything is predetermined and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road." This quote reflects his belief in the possibility of choice and agency in life.