CBS Releases A Statement on Actor Larry Hagman's Death

On Nov. 23, TV star Larry Hagman, who played 'J.R. Ewing' on DALLAS, died at the age of 81. This weekend, CBS, the network home to DALLAS, released a statement on the actor's passing: 

“Television has seen many stars, but there will only be one Larry Hagman. Larry was a larger-than-life personality, both on-screen and off -- a master showman and brilliant actor who brought to life a character that transcended the medium and truly captivated a nation. Today, we mourn the loss of a friend, but remember a man who brought true greatness to his craft and a television character in J.R. Ewing that will never be forgotten.”

Son of Broadway's Mary Martin, Hagman graced the Broadway stage throughout the late '50s and early '60s in The Beauty in Part, The Warm Peninsula, The Nervous Set, God and Kate Murphy and Comes a Day.

Hagman rose to fame with his conniving portrayal on CBS' "Dallas" from 1978 to 1991. Despite a recent battle with cancer, Hagman had returned to the show to film the first—and part of the second—season of TNT's reboot. On television, Hagman also appeared as 'Major Anthony Nelson' on ABC's "I Dream Of Jeannie".

He passed away with his loved ones, as well as actress Linda Gray and co-star Patrick Duffy, at his side.