Larry Hagman

Larry Martin Hagman (September 21, 1931 – November 23, 2012) was a renowned American film and television actor, director, and producer. Known for his iconic roles, Hagman left an indelible mark on the television landscape with his portrayal of two major characters: ruthless oil baron J. R. Ewing in the primetime soap opera Dallas (1978–1991), and the lovably bewildered astronaut Major Anthony Nelson in the sitcom I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970). Beyond the pitch of his acting career, he held a sparkling career in directing and producing. As well as TV series, his extensive career spanned numerous film roles, including performances in Fail-Safe, Harry and Tonto, S.O.B., Nixon, and Primary Colors. Later in life, he underwent a life-saving liver transplant in 1995 but sadly passed from complications of acute myeloid leukemia in 2012.\n\nBorn in Fort Worth, Texas, his early life was marked by the presence of his mother, Mary Martin, a Broadway actress, and his father, Benjamin Jackson Hagman, an accountant and lawyer. His parents divorced when he was young, and Hagman lived with his maternal grandmother while his mother pursued her acting career. Despite his father's wishes for him to become a lawyer, Hagman was drawn to the world of drama from a young age, finding his passion on stage. His career began in 1950, and before long, he had roles on Broadway, in London, and in various other theater productions. In the 1950s, he also served in the United States Air Force, primarily in entertainment roles for the troops. Ultimately, the zenith of Hagman's career was marked by his adeptness in playing memorable characters that captured the world's imagination, truly reflecting his love for his craft.