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Stephen Hawking may have been known as one of the smartest people in the world, but it turns out that there were things in life that even baffled him.
While the late British theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author had a firm grasp on everything from quantum mechanics to black holes, it turns out there was something a little closer to home that proved more of a mystery.
In an interview with New Scientist magazine a few years ago, to mark his 70th birthday, he was asked what he thinks about most during the day.
Hawking replied: "Women. They are a complete mystery."
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| Hawking's first wife, Jane Wilde (left) with Felicity Jones, who played her in The Theory of Everything. Credit: PA |
While we'd never wish relationship drama on anyone, it feels oddly comforting to know that even Stephen Hawking had trouble with the ladies - no doubt a scarily relatable one for many across the globe.
Hawking was married twice during his life - firstly to Jane Wilde, who he met shortly before he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Hawking and Wilde wed in 1965, and over the next decade and a half had three children together - but things sadly didn't stay peachy for long.
Wilde has spoken out about the difficulties that their marriage came under after Hawking's profile continued to rise, and the two eventually divorced in 1995.
While Wilde had struck up a relationship with musician Jonathan Jones, who later became her husband, Hawking had also already grown close to somebody else - one of his nurses, Elaine Mason.
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| Stephen Hawking and Elaine Mason. Credit: PA
Following Hawking and Wilde's divorce, the scientist then married Mason in September 1995. However, just over 10 years later the two quietly divorced.
Hawking passed away peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He was 76.
Hawking's children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, released a statement, which confirmed their father had died.
The statement read: "We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today.
"He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.
"He once said: 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' We will miss him for ever."
Hawking was famous for his widely read science books, including A Brief History of Time, and for his work on the theories around black holes and relativity.
He also crossed over into popular culture as a result of his success in science and huge reputation. He made memorable appearances in TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory and The Simpsons. He was also the subject of the Oscar-winning movie, The Theory of Everything.
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