Larry Hagman, a veteran actor best known for his role as J.R. Ewing on Dallas, has passed away. He was 81.
The star created the role on the original series and reprised it last year when TNT rebooted the popular drama. He announced in the summer of 2011 that he was being treated for cancer, and then followed that up a few months ago by telling the world he was in "remission."
But he lost his battle yesterday at Medical City Dallas.
Said Warner Bros. TV and Dallas executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin in a joint statement:
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.”
He is survived by his wife of 58 years; two kids; and five grandchildren.
Our thoughts go out to Hagman's loved ones.