Jane Hawking

Jane Beryl Wilde Hawking Jones, born on 29 March 1944, is an English author and teacher. She was married to the famous scientist Stephen Hawking for 30 years, from 1965 until their divorce in 1995. During their marriage, Jane supported Stephen through many challenges as he lived with the effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that gradually limited his physical abilities. Jane has written about her experiences, offering insights into their life together and the importance of love and resilience. Her story helps people understand the challenges faced by families dealing with serious health conditions.

Early life and education

Jane was born to George and Beryl Wilde. She grew up in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and was raised in the Church of England. She studied languages at the University of London's Westfield College.

Jane met Stephen Hawking at a party in 1962. Despite his diagnosis of motor neuron disease in 1963, they married in 1965 and had three children: Robert, Lucy, and Timothy. Jane later earned a PhD in medieval Spanish poetry in 1981. She and Stephen separated in 1990 and divorced in 1995, but she continued to support him in his work. In 1997, she married musician Jonathan Hellyer Jones.

Later life

In 1999, Jane wrote an autobiography called Music to Move the Stars: A Life with Stephen. This book told the story of her marriage to Stephen Hawking and was later used for a television film called Hawking. Even after Stephen divorced his second wife, Jane and Stephen maintained a friendly working relationship.

In 2009, Jane updated her book and published it as Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen. This version was turned into an award-winning film named The Theory of Everything. After the film came out, Jane talked about her experiences on BBC Radio 4’s Woman's Hour in January 2015.

Portrayal in media

Jane Hawking was shown in television and film. In 2004, she was portrayed by Lisa Dillon in the television film Hawking. In 2014, Felicity Jones played her in the film The Theory of Everything, and she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for this role.

Works

Jane Hawking wrote several books about her life and experiences. Her non-fiction works include At Home In France: Guide to Buying and Renovating Property In France, Music to Move the Stars: A Life with Stephen, and Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.

She also wrote a novel trilogy called Immortal Souls, which includes the books Cry to Dream Again, The Fiery Pillars of War, and Silent Music.