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AIBU

Steven Hawking lookalikes

(18 Posts)
RosiesMawagain Sat 17-Jan-26 12:05:19

AIBU to think this is in highly questionable taste?
In case it’s too small to read it says
Performers dress as Stephen Hawking to deliver jokes in robotic voices at a Spanish carnival. The act, which was backed by a charity for ALS, the disease that paralysed Hawking, pledged to donate the wheelchairs after the festival end
I know it claims to have some approval or backing but nevertheless …… hmmhmm

Oreo Sat 17-Jan-26 12:19:04

It’s questionable isn’t it? I wonder if Stephen Hawking knew about it and was all for it, it’s possible I suppose.
It brings money for the charity and awareness of course, not to mention the free wheelchairs.

Lathyrus3 Sat 17-Jan-26 12:55:16

He never seemed to lack humour in portraying his medical condition.

Thinking of Big Bang Theory and Comic Relief.

🙂

RosiesMawagain Sat 17-Jan-26 13:11:24

Oreo

It’s questionable isn’t it? I wonder if Stephen Hawking knew about it and was all for it, it’s possible I suppose.
It brings money for the charity and awareness of course, not to mention the free wheelchairs.

He’s been dead since 2018 confused^confused

MartavTaurus Sat 17-Jan-26 13:16:15

I'm not sure about it.
SH was such a recognisable figure that lending his "look" and voice mechanics to an event, if done appropriately, might in some help ALS sufferers and charities??

MartavTaurus Sat 17-Jan-26 13:16:46

* in some way help

Fallingstar Sat 17-Jan-26 13:17:46

I think Hawking would have thought it was a hoot. Saw him once deliver a lecture open to the public in Cambridge. He had a wicked sense of humour.
And donating the wheelchairs is really useful.

JaneJudge Sat 17-Jan-26 13:17:54

he was known for having a really dark sense of humour?

JaneJudge Sat 17-Jan-26 13:18:33

I think this thread is going to be like marmite

Elegran Sat 17-Jan-26 13:19:54

The "charity for ALS, the disease that paralysed Hawking" is one of the very few organisations which could do this without it being meant abusively. As well as raising money for their work, t draws attention to the fact that people confined to wheelchairs should not be treated as though their brains are affected as well as their bodies, and also that there are far more wheelchair users than is immediately obvious - and many of them are desperate to find work which uses their abilities.

Galaxy Sat 17-Jan-26 13:21:39

I am not sure what I feel, initially it madame uncomfortable but I think i may be being precious.
Didn't SH do something with Ricy Gervais or am I dreaming that.

Galaxy Sat 17-Jan-26 13:21:54

Made me not madame grin

Magenta8 Sat 17-Jan-26 13:41:16

Part of me agrees that there is something questionable about the whole thing but from what I have read, about Stephen Hawking, he didn't take himself too seriously and treated his condition with a great deal of humour. I once read that he found his American robot voice hilarious.

He often appeared as himself and parodies of himself in comedic situations. I can remember him voicing his cartoon character in 'The Simpsons."

Anyway, as it is for a good cause perhaps the end justifies the means.

Lathyrus3 Sat 17-Jan-26 13:41:31

Galaxy

I am not sure what I feel, initially it madame uncomfortable but I think i may be being precious.
Didn't SH do something with Ricy Gervais or am I dreaming that.

Ricky Gervais made jokes about Stephen Hawking but maybe you are thinking of the Comic Relief skit with Matt Lucas?

Oreo Sat 17-Jan-26 15:54:44

RosiesMawagain

Oreo

It’s questionable isn’t it? I wonder if Stephen Hawking knew about it and was all for it, it’s possible I suppose.
It brings money for the charity and awareness of course, not to mention the free wheelchairs.

He’s been dead since 2018 confused^confused

He has, but it depends on how long in advance this event was planned, or if he hd previously given his blessing to the same type of thing.
He did have humour and was even in The Simpsons.

eazybee Sat 17-Jan-26 19:24:42

I found it quite disturbing.

Deedaa Sat 17-Jan-26 19:28:17

He also appeared at least once on The Big Bang Theory. I don't think he would have minded this.

B9exchange Sat 17-Jan-26 20:39:47

His sister is a good friend of mine, I am sure he would have loved it.