By  Published Nov 26, 2026, 9:00 AM EST Currently based in Madrid, Stephen Christopher Barker has been a staff writer at Screen Rant since 2026. Since graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University with a bachelor's degree in Film, Television, and Cultural Studies in 2014, he has written for numerous movie and music websites. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Summary

• Stephen Hawking was a renowned scientist who made significant contributions to theoretical physics and cosmology, despite being paralyzed by a rare disease.
• Hawking's impact on science is immeasurable, shaping modern cosmology and inspiring others to pursue careers in science.
• At the time of his death, Hawking's net worth was $20 million, primarily earned through book sales, appearances in ads, teaching, and winning prestigious prizes.

Stephen Hawking was an extraordinary figure in the scientific world, renowned for his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics and cosmology, and Stephen Hawking's net worth reflects that. Born in Oxford, England in 1942, Hawking's academic journey led him to become one of the most prominent scientists of the modern era, despite being diagnosed with a rare form of motor neuron disease at the age of 21. This condition paralyzed him, yet it didn't hinder his intellectual pursuits. Hawking's contributions to the understanding of black holes and the nature of the universe are unparalleled, and his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner made him a household name.

Hawking's impact on science is immeasurable. He left an indelible mark on the world through his theories on black holes and relativity, merging them in a way that had never been done before. His work has helped shape modern cosmology and inspired many individuals to pursue careers in science. Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his scientific achievements. His determination, brilliance, and ability to overcome adversity made him an inspiration to many, solidifying his status as a legend in the scientific community, all of which led to Stephen Hawking's net worth of millions.

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Stephen Hawking's Net Worth Was $20 Million When He Died

Stephen Hawking looks on in Star Trek TNG

At the top of his passing, Stephen Hawking had a net worth of £16.3 million or $20 million (via ). This was primarily bequeathed to his family, including his three children, Robert, Timothy, and Lucy, and three grandchildren, in the form of a trust fund. He also left instructions that his academic awards and medals, including the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Companion of Honour, be split between his children. Additionally, Hawking bequeathed £10,000 to his long-time personal assistant, Judith Croasdell. He also left money to charitable organizations (via ).

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How Stephen Hawking Made His Money

Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) at a party in The Theory of Everything

Stephen Hawking's financial success can be attributed to several sources. Primarily, he earned a significant income from his best-selling books, most notably A Brief History of Time. This 1988 book was a major commercial success, staying on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks, and was translated into 40 different languages. Sales from this book, along with his other publications, contributed significantly to his wealth. According to , the scientist earned $6 million for A Brief History of Time.

Hawking's fame led to appearing in a number of ads in the UK, promoting the telecom firm BT, the opticians Specsavers, and the comparison website GoCompare. Vanity Fair also reported that Hawking made $2 million from his work with Specsavers commercial alone. It has also been estimated that the Cambridge professor made around $110,000 per year from teaching (via ). Additionally, the scientist earned $3 million after winning the most lucrative science prize ever, the Special Fundamental Physics Prize (via ).

Hawking's life and achievements have been depicted in various media, most notably in , which explores his early life, scientific discoveries, and personal struggles. Unfortunately, there is no specific information indicating how much Hawking directly profited from the movie. However, his involvement and endorsement of the film likely contributed to its success, as well as indirectly enhancing his public profile and potentially increasing earnings from other sources, such as audiences purchasing the scientist's books, thus further contributing to Stephen Hawking's net worth.

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