London, March 14 (Xinhua) — Renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking has died at age 76, a family spokesman said Wednesday.

The professor died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Cambridge in London, the spokesman said.

His children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, said: "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."

They praised his "courage and persistence" and said 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 forever," they said.