Yes, Albert Einstein was widely regarded and respected by theoretical physicists during his lifetime. His contributions to physics, particularly his development of the theory of relativity, revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity. Einstein's work on the photoelectric effect, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, also had a significant impact on the field.
Einstein's theories, especially the general theory of relativity, provided a new framework for understanding the fundamental laws of physics. They introduced novel concepts such as the curvature of spacetime and the equivalence of mass and energy (captured by the famous equation E=mc²). These ideas not only addressed long-standing problems but also inspired further research and developments in theoretical physics.
Throughout his career, Einstein collaborated and corresponded with many leading physicists of his time, including Max Planck, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, and others. His work was met with great interest and admiration, although it also faced some skepticism and debate, as is common in the scientific community.
Overall, Einstein's contributions to physics, along with his intellectual rigor and profound insights, earned him the respect and esteem of his colleagues and established him as one of the most influential scientists in history.