Deadline:
Larry Hagman who played the conniving villainous J.R. — head of the oil-rich and powerful Ewing clan on both the original an recent sequel of the world popular TV series Dallas - died this afternoon at Medical City in Dallas. The cause was cited as recent complications from a year-long bout with cancer. He was 81. “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.” Deadline has learned that among those at his bedside were his longtime Dallas co-stars Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy.
Deadline says:
Dallas star Larry Hagman has been diagnosed with what the actor describes as a “very common and treatable” form of cancer. As a result, he may not be in all 10 episodes of TNT’s Dallas reboot, in which he reprises his iconic role as J.R. Production on the series is slated to begin soon, and for now, Hagman is confirmed to appear in the first 4 episodes, including the pilot, which is already in the can. Depending how his treatment goes, he may do more. Hagman has had health problems before including a liver transplant. “As J.R. I could get away with anything – bribery, blackmail and adultery. But I got caught by cancer, Hagman said in a statement, first released to TVGuide. “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!”
Let's be honest, he probably won't have to worry about splitting his schedule between the hospital and the set since this will probably be cancelled after one season.
Very sad news but he had a very exciting life.