Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing in ‘Dallas,’ dies aged 81

Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing in the TV series "Dallas," has died at the age of 81.

The Dallas Morning News reported that Hagman died at Medical City Dallas Hospital on Friday afternoon from complications arising from cancer.

The News cited a family statement as saying:

"Larry was back in his beloved Dallas re-enacting the iconic role he loved most. 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."

Hagman had been filming the sequel to his famous show, depicting a ranch-owning Texas oil family, the Ewings. 

According to The New York Times, there was a period in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Dallas was a hit in 57 countries and Hagman "could lay claim to the title of most famous actor in the world."

He was the only one of the cast of Dallas to appear in every episode, Australia's Fairfax media noted.

He was nominated for two Emmy awards and four Golden Globes but failed to win any.

The son of an actress and a district attorney, Hagman found fame as astronaut Major Anthony ''Tony'' Nelson in the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" alongside Barbara Eden.

He battled drug and alcohol addiction for years and would reportedly drink bottles of champagne on the Dallas set.

He had a liver transplant in 1995 and in October last year announced he had "treatable" throat cancer.

He said: 

"As J.R. I could get away with anything – bribery, blackmail and adultery. But I got caught by cancer. I do want everyone to know that it is a very common and treatable form of cancer."

Hagman returned to Texas from his home in California to film season one of TNT’s "Dallas" remake and part of season two. 

The Morning News wrote that:

"Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most. 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."