Larry Hagman, best known for such iconic roles as Major Tony Nelson on “I Dream of Jeannie” and J.R. Ewing on “Dallas,” has died, reports The Dallas Morning News. The actor, 81, died at 4:20 PM local time earlier today.
Reportedly, members of Hagman’s family stated the cause of death as complications from his recent battle with cancer.
A native of Texas himself, Hagman portrayed the legendary Ewing character from 1978 to 1991 on CBS and again this past summer after TNT rebooted the series for a new generation. Hagman returned along side original co-stars Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray. The second season of the TNT incarnation, which Hagman had been filming, is set to premiere in January.
“Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most,” said the actors family in a statement. “Larry’s family and close friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday. When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for. The family requests privacy at this time.”
In celebration of Halloween last month, TNT released a promo clip (see below) highlighting J.R.’s famous eyebrows and photos of cast members sporting the brows.