World-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking passed away in 2018 at the age of 76, leaving behind an incredible scientific legacy – and a sizable fortune. Just how much was the brilliant scientist worth? The answer may surprise you.
The Fascinating Life of Stephen Hawking
Before diving into Hawking’s net worth, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on his remarkable life story. Born in England in 1942, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease, at the young age of 21. Doctors initially gave him just a few years to live.
But Hawking defied the odds, not just surviving but thriving for decades with the debilitating condition that left him paralyzed and unable to speak without the aid of a voice synthesizer. He became one of the world’s most famous and influential scientists, known for his groundbreaking work on black holes, relativity, quantum mechanics, and the origins of the universe.
Some of Hawking’s most notable achievements include:
- Discovering that black holes emit radiation (now known as Hawking radiation)
- Proposing theories about how the universe began and how it might end
- Writing the international bestseller A Brief History of Time, which made complex physics accessible to the masses
- Appearing on popular TV shows like Star Trek, The Simpsons, and The Big Bang Theory
- Receiving the Albert Einstein Award, the Wolf Prize, and the prestigious Fundamental Physics Prize
Despite being confined to a wheelchair and relying on 24/7 nursing care, Hawking continued working until the very end of his life. His final paper on the origin of the universe was published just 10 days before he passed away peacefully at his home in Cambridge.
Hawking’s Impressive Net Worth
So just how much wealth did the famous physicist amass over his lifetime? According to Celebrity Net Worth, Stephen Hawking’s net worth was $20 million at the time of his death.
While $20 million is an impressive sum, it may seem surprisingly low for someone of Hawking’s fame and stature. After all, he was one of the most recognizable and respected scientists in the world for several decades.
However, as a theoretical physicist and academic, most of Hawking’s income came from his work as a professor and researcher at the University of Cambridge, as well as his books and public appearances. He didn’t have the same money-making opportunities as a celebrity entertainer or business mogul.
Still, Hawking found plenty of ways to grow his fortune over the years. Let’s break down some of his biggest income sources:
Book Sales
Hawking’s most famous book, 1988’s A Brief History of Time, was a publishing phenomenon, spending over 4 years on the bestseller lists and selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. It’s been translated into 40 languages.
Estimates vary, but Hawking likely earned around $6 million in royalties from A Brief History of Time alone. He went on to pen or co-write over 15 other books, including:
- Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays
- The Universe in a Nutshell
- A Briefer History of Time
- The Grand Design
- Brief Answers to the Big Questions
While none of his other titles achieved quite the same mainstream success as his 1988 classic, they still sold well and added to his bottom line. All in all, book royalties likely account for a sizable chunk of Hawking’s $20 million net worth.
University Salary
For most of his career, Hawking was employed as a professor and researcher at the University of Cambridge in England. As of the 2011-2012 academic year, the average salary for a Cambridge professor was £115,000 (about $150,000 USD at the time).
Given his tenure and prestige, Hawking’s university salary was likely on the higher end, though exact figures aren’t publicly available. Over his many decades at Cambridge, his professor pay certainly contributed a significant amount to his wealth.
Speaking Fees and Appearances
As one of the world’s most famous scientists, Hawking was in high demand as a public speaker and for media appearances. His instantly recognizable computerized voice made him a popular figure in the entertainment world.
Hawking lent his voice to TV shows like The Simpsons, Futurama, and The Big Bang Theory. He also appeared as himself in Star Trek: The Next Generation and had a cameo in the Monty Python live show.
While the details of Hawking’s pay for these appearances aren’t known, it’s likely he commanded impressive fees in the tens or even hundreds of thousands. Even a few high-paying entertainment gigs per year could quickly add up.
Hawking was also a sought-after speaker at conferences and events around the globe, where he would discuss his theories on black holes, cosmology, artificial intelligence and more. Again, while his exact speaking fees aren’t public, they were likely substantial given his towering reputation.
Awards and Prizes
Over his distinguished career, Hawking was honored with a slew of prestigious awards and prizes that came with generous monetary rewards. Some of the most lucrative included:
- The 2013 Special Fundamental Physics Prize, which came with an award of $3 million
- The 2016 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Basic Sciences, which included a €400,000 prize (roughly $450,000 USD at the time)
- The 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, worth $3 million. Hawking graciously donated the money to fund physics graduate scholarships.
Other major scientific honors Hawking received include the Albert Einstein Award, the Wolf Prize, the Copley Medal, and the Fundamental Physics Prize. All of these accolades bolstered Hawking’s fame and reputation – and many came with hefty checks.
TV and Movie Rights
Hawking’s incredible life story was the subject of multiple films and documentaries over the years. Most notably, the 2014 movie The Theory of Everything starring Eddie Redmayne was based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Hawking’s ex-wife Jane.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide and winning Redmayne the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking. Hawking himself praised Redmayne’s performance, saying it was “broadly true” to his story.
It’s unknown exactly how much Hawking profited from the movie rights to his life, but it was likely a substantial payday. He served as a consultant on the film to ensure its accuracy.
Hawking also participated in various TV documentaries about his life and work over the years, including:
- A Brief History of Time (1991)
- Stephen Hawking: Master of the Universe (2008)
- Hawking (2013)
- Stephen Hawking’s Grand Design (2012)
- Stephen Hawking: Expedition New Earth (2017)
While the licensing fees Hawking received for these projects aren’t public record, they undoubtedly added more to his net worth. His name and life rights were valuable commodities.
Hawking’s Lavish Lifestyle
Despite battling a debilitating disease, Hawking enjoyed the finer things in life and wasn’t afraid to spend his hard-earned money. Some of his most extravagant purchases and experiences included:
- A $3.6 million customized Cessna private jet, which allowed him to travel the world for lectures and events in style and comfort. The jet included a special area for his nurses and medical equipment.
- A $2.2 million home in Cambridge, one of the most expensive areas in England. Hawking’s residence was a Victorian-era chalet-style house that was extensively renovated to accommodate his wheelchair and high-tech needs.
- Around-the-clock private nursing care, which cost an estimated $150,000 per year out of pocket. Hawking required a team of specialized nurses to manage his ALS and keep him healthy.
- Luxurious vacations around the globe, from the beaches of Barbados to the ski slopes of Canada. Hawking didn’t let his condition stop him from seeing the world and he spared no expense on trips.
- Fine dining, including meals prepared by private chefs and at Michelin-starred restaurants. Hawking was known to have a discerning palate and a taste for the best.
Of course, all of these expenses barely put a dent in Hawking’s sizable fortune. And he was generous with his wealth too, donating to causes like:
- The Motor Neurone Disease Association
- SOS Children’s Villages
- The National Star College for disabled students
- The Stephen Hawking Foundation, which he founded to support research into cosmology, astrophysics and fundamental particle physics
Hawking’s Complicated Love Life
Hawking’s personal life was almost as fascinating as his scientific pursuits. He was married and divorced twice, and his romantic entanglements sometimes spilled into the tabloids.
Hawking married his first wife Jane Wilde in 1965, shortly after his ALS diagnosis. At the time, doctors gave him just 2 years to live. Despite the challenges of his progressing illness, the couple went on to have three children together and were married for 30 years.
However, the marriage was strained by Hawking’s worldwide fame and the difficulties of caring for him as his condition deteriorated. Jane later admitted to having an affair with a musician who helped the family.
In 1990, Hawking left Jane for one of his nurses, Elaine Mason. They married in 1995 and were together for 11 years before divorcing in 2006. The relationship was marred by rumors that Mason physically abused Hawking, though he denied the allegations.
The details of Hawking’s divorce settlements with both Jane and Elaine were kept private. But it’s likely the proceedings took a chunk out of his net worth. Divorces are rarely cheap, especially when millions in assets are at stake.
After his second divorce, Hawking reconnected with Jane and his children. She continued to support him and work with him, even collaborating on a book. At the end of his life, Hawking was surrounded by his family and loved ones.
In the end, Stephen Hawking will be remembered more for his brilliant mind and indomitable spirit than for his material wealth. His contributions to our understanding of the cosmos will endure long after the money is gone.
Hawking’s passing in 2018 was mourned around the world, with tributes pouring in from fellow scientists, celebrities, political leaders and ordinary people inspired by his story. His ashes were interred at Westminster Abbey in London, between the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin – two other giants of British science.
The value of Stephen Hawking’s life is truly incalculable. No net worth could ever capture the magnitude of his legacy.
