Larry Hagman

Larry Hagman was an American actor best known for his iconic roles in television shows like "I Dream of Jeannie" and "Dallas." Born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1931, Hagman was the son of famous actress Mary Martin and attorney Ben Hagman. He attended Bard College in New York and later studied drama at the Pasadena Playhouse in California.

Hagman began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows and films. He gained widespread recognition in 1965 when he was cast as astronaut Tony Nelson in the popular sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie." The show ran for five seasons and made Hagman a household name.

In 1978, Hagman was cast as J.R. Ewing in the hit television series "Dallas." The show was a massive success, running for 14 seasons and becoming one of the most popular dramas in television history. Hagman's portrayal of the conniving and ruthless oil tycoon earned him critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

Despite his success on television, Hagman remained committed to the stage throughout his career. He made his Broadway debut in 1958 in the play "God and Kate Murphy." He later appeared in several other Broadway productions, including "Comes a Day" and "The Nervous Set."

In addition to his work on stage and television, Hagman also appeared in several films throughout his career. He had supporting roles in movies like "Ensign Pulver" and "Fail-Safe," and also appeared in the horror classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."

Hagman's personal life was often as dramatic as his on-screen roles. He struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction for much of his life, but eventually overcame his demons and became an advocate for addiction recovery. He was also a passionate environmentalist, and served as the chairman of the Solar Electric Light Fund.

Larry Hagman passed away in 2012 at the age of 81. His most recent work included a guest appearance on the television series "Desperate Housewives" and a reprisal of his role as J.R. Ewing in the 2012 revival of "Dallas." His legacy as an actor and advocate continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.