[Sharlin]

Indeed. He is a media darling, was a great science popularizer, and decidedly influential in his own sub-subfield of black hole cosmology, but in the greater context of physics "just another" accomplished researcher. On a purely personal level, of course, his career was quite remarkable given his condition.

[jacobush]

And did a fantastic job popularising science. He even was in a Star Trek episode as himself!

It brings a stupid happy smile to my face every time I think about it.

[mcny]

My favorite quote is that he sold more books on physics than Madonna did on sex.