For a few of us, physics was probably not our favourite subject in school. Despite that though, we can’t help but admire the genius of Stephen Hawking, the world-renowned physicist and scientist.

He has played a critical role in helping us understand time and universe. While the limelight was always on him, there are still many aspects of his life that people are not aware of.

Here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about Stephen Hawking.

Child at heart

Yes, many of us know about Stephen Hawking’s contribution towards the numerous scientific theories he made in his books. Though, not many of us know that he has also written and published 5 books along with his daughter Lucy aimed at young children. The theme is a sci-fi adventure, which chronicles the life of a young boy who learns about the fascinating aspects of the universe.

Long Live Hawking

Stephen Hawking died at the age of 76 but not many know that when he was 21, various doctors and health experts had given him, only a couple of years to survive due to his ALS. But guess what? He lived for more than 50 years after that diagnosis and became one of the most renowned and influential modern day scientists.

He did gymnastic flips despite being on a wheelchair

Yes, believe it or not, Stephen Hawking did this in 2007 when he got out of his wheelchair for the first time in four decades thanks to an anti-gravity aeroplane ride by Zero Gravity Corp. Though, it lasted just a few minutes, it was great to see the child in him come out and enjoy the moment.

His death marks the birth of the most brilliant scientist

Call it a coincidence, destiny or some sort of cosmic connection that Stephen Hawking died on the day Albert Einstein was born – March 14, 2018.

Spoke with an American accent even though he was British

Though Stephen Hawking was born in the United Kingdom, his voice synthesizer had an American accent as he liked the voice and identified with it.