Was Stephen Hawking Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Stephen Hawking, born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England, was a theoretical physicist and cosmologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of black holes and the Big Bang theory. His academic journey began at the University of Oxford, where he earned his BA in physics and chemistry. He then moved to Cambridge University for his PhD, where he started his research on the properties of black holes.
In 1963, at the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Despite this challenging diagnosis, he continued his academic pursuits, using a wheelchair and speaking through a computer-generated voice. His breakthrough came in 1974 when he proposed the theory of Hawking radiation, which explained how black holes emit subatomic particles. This groundbreaking work brought him international recognition and fame, making him a household name in science.
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Stephen Hawking’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Stephen Hawking’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This figure is based on his extensive career as a theoretical physicist and author, despite his passing in 2018.
Career
Hawking’s career spanned over five decades, during which he made significant contributions to the fields of cosmology and general relativity. He was a professor at the University of Cambridge and held the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics from 1979 until 2009. His groundbreaking work on black holes and the Big Bang theory earned him numerous accolades, including the Fundamental Physics Prize in 2013.
Other Ventures
In addition to his academic pursuits, Hawking ventured into popular science books and media. His best-selling book “A Brief History of Time” has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. He also narrated the Discovery Channel series “Stephen Hawking’s Universe” and appeared in several television shows and films, including “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Theory of Everything,” for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award.
Assets
Hawking’s assets included his Cambridge home, valued at around $4 million, and a collection of over 200 scientific papers and books. His estate also comprised intellectual property rights to his books and lectures, as well as royalties from his popular science books and media appearances. His iconic wheelchair and other personal effects were auctioned off after his death, with proceeds going to charity.
Annual Income
Hawking’s annual income varied throughout his career but significantly increased in his later years due to his best-selling books and media appearances. In 2012, it was reported that he earned around $1 million per year from his various ventures. However, his income likely fluctuated based on his workload and the success of his projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Was Stephen Hawking
**Frequently Asked Questions**
1. What was Stephen Hawking’s net worth?
Stephen Hawking’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million at the time of his death.
2. How did Stephen Hawking become wealthy?
Hawking’s wealth came primarily from his academic career, book sales, and media appearances. His book “A Brief History of Time” alone sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
3. Did Stephen Hawking have a PhD?
Yes, Stephen Hawking earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics from the University of Cambridge in 1965.
4. What was Stephen Hawking’s job before he became famous?
Before he gained fame, Hawking was a research fellow at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He was later appointed to the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics at Cambridge in 1979.
5. How did Stephen Hawking’s disability affect his career?
Hawking’s disability, ALS, progressively affected his physical abilities, but it did not hinder his intellectual pursuits. He continued to make significant contributions to the field of cosmology and theoretical physics until his death.
6. Did Stephen Hawking have any children?
Yes, Stephen Hawking had three children: Robert, Lucy, and Timothy.
7. What was Stephen Hawking’s cause of death?
Stephen Hawking died of complications related to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nervous system.
8. How old was Stephen Hawking when he died?
Stephen Hawking was 76 years old when he died on March 14, 2018.
9. What was Stephen Hawking’s most famous work?
Stephen Hawking’s most famous work is his book “A Brief History of Time,” which was published in 1988 and became an international bestseller.
10. Did Stephen Hawking have any regrets?
In an interview with The Guardian in 2011, Hawking said he had no regrets, stating, “I have not tried to make life easier for myself. I have not taken the easy way out. I have made my own luck.”
