[Condor51]

*** I’ve heard other physicists say that if it weren’t for his disease, he’d be just another physicist. ***

Well, not quite. His work on Black Holes was ground breaking.

But are you are sort of right too. In a poll of 'renowned Physicists' as to whom among them contributed more to Physics in the 20th Century Hawking finished dead last. As one put it (paraphrasing), The problem is that Hawking is 'famous' and the general public doesn't know about those who've actually contributed more. Stephen is the 'Rock Star' (no pun) of Physics.

[mkmensinger]

My point is he’s not on a par with Einstein, as some would have us believe.

[grey_whiskers]

Remember the scientific dispute over whether or not "black holes have no hair" ? (i.e., are spherically symmetrical).

Made a stir at the time over some European language or other having the words "black hole" being slang for something indecent or other...

Cheers!

[null and void]

Stephen is the 'Rock Star' (no pun) of Physics.

Isn't he more of a 'Roll Star'?

[editor-surveyor]

>> “Well, not quite. His work on Black Holes was ground breaking.” <<

.
Bla, bla,bla...

He is the Poster Kid of physics, just like the cute little blue eyed blonde girl with her legs fully clad in braces, on the March of Dimes posters in the ‘50s.
.

[null and void]

Well, not quite. His work on Black Holes was ground breaking.

It sounds like these days the black holes are working on him...