Larry Hagman
Son of Broadway star Mary Martin, Hagman first charmed audiences as astronaut Tony Nelson in I Dream of Jeannie. But it was 1978's Dallas that made him a global phenomenon as scheming oil baron J.R. Ewing. The 1980 'Who Shot J.R.?' cliffhanger became one of television's most-watched events ever.
Broadway Bloodline
Larry Martin Hagman was born September 21, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Broadway legend Mary Martin. He built an acting career that first found fame on 1960s television.
Jeannie and J.R.
Hagman starred as astronaut Tony Nelson in I Dream of Jeannie before landing the role of his life: oil baron J.R. Ewing on Dallas in 1978. The 'Who Shot J.R.?' cliffhanger became a global sensation.
Final Years
After a 1995 liver transplant, Hagman returned as J.R. in TNT's Dallas revival in 2012. He died that November in Dallas from complications of acute myeloid leukemia at age 81.
Career Timeline
- 1931Born in Fort Worth, Texas
- 1965Stars as Tony Nelson in I Dream of Jeannie
- 1970I Dream of Jeannie ends its run
- 1978Dallas premieres; he plays J.R. Ewing
- 1980'Who Shot J.R.?' grips global audiences
- 1991Original Dallas series concludes
- 1995Undergoes a life-saving liver transplant
- 2011Diagnosed with throat cancer
- 2012Returns to TNT's Dallas revival as J.R.
- 2012Dies in Dallas from leukemia complications
Biggest Hits
- His mother was Broadway star Mary Martin, famous for originating roles in South Pacific and Peter Pan.
- The 1980 'Who Shot J.R.?' episode was one of the most-watched broadcasts in television history.
Portrait: Eva Rinaldi · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons