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Stephen Hawking was at Cambridge University in 2004 preparing to be interviewed.
The camera operator was adjusting the lighting and asked one of Professor Hawking’s staff if he could pull out the plug being used by a computer to use the outlet for a light. After being told it was OK, the operator pulled out the plug, and a piercing alarm sounded.
With the alarm ringing, Hawking slumped forward in his wheelchair as if a piece of life support equipment had been switched off. The interviewer and the camera operator rushed to assist the apparently stricken man.
As the duo approached, Hawking lifted his head and began laughing.
The alarm had sounded as the main computer lost its power supply, but Hawking took the opportunity to play a quick practical joke. And give heart attacks to all involved.
It was a way to break the ice before the interview as well as show the crew he had a sharp sense of humor.
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Hawking had a marvelous sense of humor and used it in a way to make people feel comfortable and take an interest in what was often a highly…
