The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Have fun among stars: Obama leads tributes
Former US President Barack Obama has paid tribute to Professor Stephen Hawking – who he once awarded America’s highest civilian honour.
Mr Obama wrote: “Have fun out there among the stars” alongside a photo of himself speaking with Prof Hawking at the White House.
In 2009, the then-us president awarded the physicist the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony.
Prof Hawking’s ex-wife, Jane Hawking, who was married to the physicist for 30 years, also paid tribute, saying she was “deeply saddened” by the death of “our dear Stephen”.
She added: “I am glad to be able to say that he died peacefully in the comfort of his own home.”
Earlier Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Prof Hawking on-screen, called the physicist “a true inspiration for me and for millions”.
Cumberbatch, 41, starred as the professor in the first portrayal of the scientist on-screen, before Eddie Redmayne took on the role in The Theory Of Everything.
The actor, who played Prof Hawking in the TV film, Hawking, in 2004, said he was “so sad to hear that Stephen has died” and that he will raise a margarita, which they once shared together, “to the stars”.
“I feel so lucky to have known such a truly great man who’s profundity was found both in his work and the communication of that work. Both in person and in books.”
Prime Minister Theresa May was among others paying tribute to Prof Hawking.
She said: “Professor Stephen Hawking was a brilliant and extraordinary mind – one of the great scientists of his generation.
“His courage, humour and determination to get the most from life was an inspiration. His legacy will not be forgotten.”
Scientist and broadcaster Professor Brian Cox told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the scientist was “one of the greats”.
Inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-lee, tweeted: “We have lost a colossal mind and a wonderful spirit. Rest in peace, Stephen Hawking.”