[mkmensinger]

I’ve heard other physicists say that if it weren’t for his disease, he’d be just another physicist.

[Condor51]

*** I’ve heard other physicists say that if it weren’t for his disease, he’d be just another physicist. ***

Well, not quite. His work on Black Holes was ground breaking.

But are you are sort of right too. In a poll of 'renowned Physicists' as to whom among them contributed more to Physics in the 20th Century Hawking finished dead last. As one put it (paraphrasing), The problem is that Hawking is 'famous' and the general public doesn't know about those who've actually contributed more. Stephen is the 'Rock Star' (no pun) of Physics.

[Rebelbase]

"I’ve heard other physicists say that if it weren’t for his disease, he’d be just another physicist"

"I'll say!"

[onedoug]

Probably emulating Richard Feynman.

[editor-surveyor]

Hawking has never offered anything useful to physics; he was granted the degree due to pity.
.

[Melas]

That sounds like jealousy talking.