One of the world's most brilliant minds, physicist and author Professor Stephen Hawking, has died aged 76.

 Hawking -- the subject of Hollywood smash The Theory Of Everything, which won actor Eddie Redmayne an Oscar -- had a rare, early onset, slow-progressing form of ALS that gradually paralysed him over the decades. He was still able to communicate using a single cheek muscle attached to a speech-generating device and roamed the cosmos from his wheelchair.

The British theoretical physicist was known for his contributions to the fields of cosmology, general relativity and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes -- and for his computer-generated voice.

Hawking's legacy not only stands as a phenomenal scientist and thinker, but as one of the most inspirational. His enormous tenacity and great resilience saw him live well beyond his 20s, as diagnosed by his doctors.

In fact, this was matched by his razor-sharp wit and willingness to poke fun at himself. It saw Hawking become a pop culture darling, making cameos in TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Star Trek The Next Generation, The Simpsons, Futurama and in the video above with comedian John Oliver.

Hawking's scientific genius saw him win many honours, titles, awards and accolades -- as well as a firm place in many people's hearts.

Hawking died at his Cambridge home from complications caused by his progressive neurodegenerative disease.