Legendary Actor Larry Hagman Dies at 81 – Role of J.R. Ewing on “Dallas” Being Handled Respectfully

Today, “Dallas” fans both new and old were saddened, along with millions of Larry Hagman fans, when it was announced that the 81 year-old actor had died. According to early reports, Larry Hagman died as a result of complications from his fight against throat cancer.

Many remember Hagman from his earliest rise to fame playing an astronaut on the hit series “I Dream of Jeannie” where Hagman played opposite Barbara Eden. The show was a huge hit comedy, still earning air time decades later. Hagman was well known for his sense of humor and notorious for practical jokes on and off the set.

In the 1980’s Hagman’s popularity soared again taking on the lead role in the mega-hit television series “Dallas” as scheming oil tycoon J.R. Ewing – a complete opposite from Hagman the person. Dallas was one of the biggest shows of the 80s decade, and Hagman’s character was recognized globally.

Last year, TNT began producing the series again, picking up decades later in the lives of many of the core characters. For fans of the original show, it was a great way to see where their characters were now. As expected Larry Hagman, and his character of J.R. Ewing was center stage drawing in the fans.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago, Hagman continued to work on the Dallas set while fighting his battle with cancer and undergoing medical treatment. On November 23rd 2012, the day after Thanksgiving, Hagman lost his battle with cancer and passed away.

The producers of the show indicated that they will be working on a fitting way to wrap up the storyline for Hagman’s iconic character. With the premiere of its second season planned for January 28th, those close to the production say that Hagman will be given a proper send-off.

“Larry Hagman was a giant, a larger-than-life personality whose iconic performance as J.R. Ewing will endure as one of the most indelible in entertainment history. He truly loved portraying this globally recognized character, and he leaves a legacy of entertainment, generosity and grace. Everyone at Warner Bros. and in the “Dallas” family is deeply saddened by Larry’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and dear friends during this difficult time,” read a statement issued by Warner Bros. TV and “Dallas” executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin.

In its statement, TNT said, “All of us at TNT are deeply saddened at the news of Larry Hagman’s passing. He was a wonderful human being and an extremely gifted actor. We will be forever thankful that a whole new generation of people got to know and appreciate Larry through his performance as J.R. Ewing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”