Larry Hagman has passed away today in Dallas at the age of 81. Larry’s family release the below statement:
“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 has played two of the most iconic characters that television has ever seen. From 1965 to 1970 he played Major Tony Nelson on I Dream of Jeannie and women and kids around the world have fallen in love with him ever since then for playing that role that is still playing in syndication today. Then in 1978 he took on the role of J.R. Ewing and he became the man we loved most to hate. In March, 1980 his character was shot then on November 21, 1980 83 million people tuned in to find out “Who did it?”. In 1991 Dallas went off the air, and then this summer TNT brought the show back and he returned to playing his most notorious role. It was if all of those years that the show was off the air never happened because he was just as great in it now as he was then. His character will be back on the show when its second season debuts on January 28th. At this point it is too early to know how his death will effect production, but his absence will certainly be felt.
Over the summer, I had the pleasure of seeing him at a press event talking about the show’s return and you could tell in his face how excited he was to be back at Southfork Ranch. He still had his wits about him and he was able to make everyone in the room laugh out loud several times.
So today honor one of televisions greats and watch either I Dream of Jeannie or Dallas to keep his talent spirit alive.
A few more statements on his death: Barbara Eden – As I received the news this evening and as you read this I still cannot completely express the shock and impact from the news that Larry Hagman has passed. I can still remember, that first day on Zuma Beach with him, in the frigid cold. From that day for five more years, Larry was the center of so many fun, wild, shocking… and in retrospect, memorable moments that will remain in my heart forever.
He was such a key element in my life for so long and even, years after I Dream of Jeannie; our paths crossed many times. Throughout various productions I had the pleasure of watching the Texas Tornado that was Larry Hagman. Amidst a whirlwind of big laughs, big smiles and unrestrained personality Larry was always, simply Larry. You couldn’t fault him for it, it was just who he was. I am so thankful that this past year I was able to spend time with him and experience yet again ‘Larry’ in all his Big Texas bravado.
I, like many others believed he had beat Cancer and yet we are reminded that life is never guaranteed. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Maj, his son and daughter and his grandchildren, as well as his friends in this time of his passing. I can honestly say that we’ve lost not just a great actor, not just a television icon, but an element of pure Americana.
Goodbye Larry, there was no one like you before and there will never be anyone like you again.
-Barbara
From Dallas: TNT: 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.
Linda Gray: Larry Hagman was my best friend for 35 years. He was the Pied Piper of life and brought joy to everyone he knew. He was creative, funny, loving and talented, and I will miss him enormously. He was an original and lived life to the full. The world was a brighter place because of Larry.
Julie Gonzalo: I had the great honor to work with an incredible man. I’m humbled to have been a part of his life. I will cherish you forever. RIP my friend
Jordana Brewster: I feel lucky and humbled to have worked with such a great man and actor. We will miss you, Larry.
Brenda Strong: Being able to work with one of my childhood idols was such an amazing gift. Bless you and sweet passage
Jesse Metcalfe: It was truly an honor to share the screen with Mr. Larry Hagman. With piercing wit and undeniable charm he brought to life one of the most legendary television characters of all time. But to know the man, however briefly, was to know a passion and dedication for life and acting that was profoundly inspirational.
From Friends and Fans: Larry King – I’m shocked. Larry Hagman was a dear man who had an incredible career. He helped me to stop smoking. He really was a very special person.
Dylan McDermott: I saw Larry Hagman on the “I dream of Jeannie” set at 9 yrs old on a studio tour…I thought it must be so cool 2 be an actor. RIP Larry.
Julie Benz: I met Larry Hagman in Monte Carlo a few years ago – he told us the secret 2 a long happy marriage was separate closets &2 bathrooms #wiseman
Lou Diamond Phillips: RIP Larry Hagman. One of a kind and iconic. Always incredibly warm & kind to me and the first star to invite me into his home for dinner!
