Larry Hagman Dies Of Cancer at 81

Larry Hagman, famously known for his role as J.R. Ewing on the TV show "Dallas" passed away after fighting cancer for years. The Dallas Morning News confirmed the death at 4:20 p.m. Friday at Medical City in Dallas.

"Larry was back in his beloved Dallas re-enacting the iconic role he loved most," his family said in a written statement. "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 was raised by his grandmother in Texas and California after his parents were divorced in 1936, when Hagman was five. After the death of his maternal grandmother, Hagman started living with his mother in Texas. After his graduation, Hagman started his career working as a production assistant and did some small roles.

He joined United States Air Force during the Korean War in 1952 and served military till 1956 and returned. Later in 1977, when he was offered 'Dallas,' Hagman agreed. The show became famous and vastly seen across many countries and reached to Top-10 by the third season. Hagman was one of the highest-paid actors on television.

He loved working in the show and decided to continue working for 'Dallas' even after being diagnosed with cancer.

"As J.R. I could get away with anything - bribery, blackmail and adultery," Hagman said at the time in a statement, according to EW.com. "But I got caught by cancer. I do want everyone to know that it is a very common and treatable form of cancer. I will be receiving treatment while working on the new Dallas series. I could not think of a better place to be than working on a show I love, with people I love. Besides, as we all know, you can't keep J.R. down!"

TNT showed its immense grief for the loss of the star and issued a statement, reported by EW.com: "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."

Dallas studio Warner Bros. and executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin, and the entire crew who loved Hagman and working with him said in a statement, published by EW.com which read: "Larry Hagman was a giant, a larger-than-life personality whose iconic performance as J.R. Ewing will endure as one of the most indelible in entertainment history. He truly loved portraying this globally recognized character, and he leaves a legacy of entertainment, generosity and grace. Everyone at Warner Bros. and in the Dallas family is deeply saddened by Larry's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and dear friends during this difficult time."

Hagman was married to Maj Axelsson, and had two children, daughter Heidi Kristina, son Preston and five granddaughters as reports Dallas Morning News.

Hagman also wrote his autobiography, "Hello Darlin' Tall (and Absolutely True) Tales About My Life," being the only book he ever wrote.