Stephen Hawking died at age 76 on 14 March 2018. This verified age at death reflects more than a single biography; it captures decades of living with ALS, continuous scientific work, and public influence. In this profile, we confirm the date and age using authoritative records, outline his diagnosis and longevity with ALS, and place his life in a factual, durable context. Below are key dates and figures that clarify how his lifespan is understood and referenced.
Confirmed facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | 14 March 2018 | Official obituary and news archives |
| Age at death | 76 years old | Obituaries and biographies |
| Birth date | 8 January 1942 | Biographical records |
| ALS diagnosis | 1963 (age 21) | Medical history and interviews |
| Life expectancy beyond prognosis | More than 50 years post-diagnosis | Neurology literature and case studies |
How the age at death is calculated
Age at death is computed from date of birth to date of death using the same calendar system used by official records. Hawking was born 8 January 1942 and died 14 March 2018. That span is 76 full years, reaching 76 years and 66 days when expressed with days. Scientific and news accounts uniformly report him as 76 at death, which is the figure used in verified obituaries and institutional statements.
Context: living with ALS
Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1963 at age 21. Typical survival after an ALS diagnosis is often cited as two to five years, making his longevity exceptional. His extended survival was due in part to advances in supportive care, his access to medical resources, and the relatively slow progression of his particular form of ALS. Importantly, his scientific output and public engagement remained substantial long after diagnosis, reshaping perceptions of what was possible for people with progressive neurodegenerative conditions.
Key milestones in Hawking’s post-diagnosis life
- 1965: Married Jane Wilde and completed his PhD
- 1970s: Developed methods for understanding black hole radiation, now called Hawking radiation
- 1988: Published A Brief History of Time, reaching a global audience
- 2002–2017: Continued research, public lectures, and media appearances despite physical decline
- 2012: Participated in the London Paralympic Opening Ceremony
- 2017: Final scientific papers published posthumously, extending his research legacy
Why age at death matters in context
Asking about age at death can serve multiple intents: curiosity about human longevity with severe illness, interest in how science is practiced over a long career, or comparison across public figures. By presenting an age alongside the surrounding context, we avoid reducing a complex life to a single number. His age at death is best understood alongside his decades of work, his care team and technologies, and the cultural shifts in disability and science communication during his lifetime.
Comparison with similar profiles
When placed beside other scientists who lived with chronic conditions, Hawking’s longevity and continued productivity stand out. The table below compares selected attributes relevant to longevity and impact.
| Person | Condition | Age at diagnosis | Age at death | Years post-diagnosis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Hawking | ALS | 21 (1963) | 76 (2018) | 55+ |
| Geertjan Lassche | ALS (data for context) | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Jon Stone (ALS awareness advocate) | ALS | Variable | Variable | Variable |
Legacy beyond the number
Hawking’s influence extends across cosmology, quantum gravity, science communication, and attitudes toward disability in science. His publications, public lectures, and media appearances shaped how complex ideas about black holes, time, and the universe are discussed globally. Because his work continued for many decades after diagnosis, references to his age at death are often tied to questions about scientific productivity, resilience, and access to care. The factual baseline remains: he died at age 76, and his record of more than five decades with ALS informs both medical and scientific communities.
Frequently asked questions
- How old was Stephen Hawking when he died? He was 76 years old at the time of his death on 14 March 2018.
- What year was he diagnosed with ALS? He was diagnosed in 1963 at age 21.
- Did his longevity change medical understanding of ALS? His case is studied for exceptional longevity and has contributed to discussions about respiratory care, nutrition, and assisted communication, though individual outcomes vary widely.
- Why is he often mentioned with black holes and cosmology? He made foundational contributions to theories of black hole radiation, the no-boundary proposal, and popularized complex topics through books and media.
- Where can I find authoritative details about his death and age? Reliable sources include institutional obituaries, major news archives from March 2018, and peer-reviewed discussions of his scientific legacy.
Bottom line
Stephen Hawking died at age 76 on 14 March 2018, verified by multiple authoritative sources. His age at death is one point within a longer narrative of diagnosis in early adulthood, extraordinary longevity, and enduring scientific influence. Framing the number within dates, context, and supporting data ensures clarity and usefulness over time.