The prominent theoretical physicist known for his groundbreaking contributions to black hole physics is Stephen Hawking. His work on the nature of black holes, particularly his development of the Hawking radiation concept, fundamentally changed our understanding of these enigmatic stellar entities. Hawking's theories connected quantum mechanics and general relativity, providing insights into the nature of space and time. His bestselling book, A Brief History of Time, made complex scientific ideas accessible to a broad audience, cementing his legacy as one of the foremost physicists of the modern era.