Eddie Redmayne, Hollywood stars remember Stephen Hawking

Hollywood stars such as Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kumail Nanjiani have condoled the death of famed British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.

Hawking, who simplified and popularised complex theories for public through his best-selling book 'A Brief History of Time', died on Tuesday night at the age of 76.

Redmayne, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the scientist, remembered Hawking as the "funniest" man he ever met.

"We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet. My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family," Redmayne told USA Today in a statement
Cumberbatch, who also played the physicist in a TV film, said, "I was so sad to hear that Stephen has died. I send my heartfelt love and condolences to all his family and colleagues. 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."