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Very sad to report that Larry Hagman, star of the original series and TNT reboot of DALLAS has passed away at the age of 81. Larry had been shooting new episodes in Dallas for the series, and reportedly died in Medical City hospital in Dallas with co-stars Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray by his side. Hagman became famous for his role of J.R. Ewing, and was also well known for playing Major Anthony “Tony” Nelson on the 1960’s sitcom I DREAM OF JEANNIE in which he co-starred with Barbara Eden. He was the son of Broadway actress Mary Martin and district attorney Benjamin Jack Hagman, and was born in Fort Worth, Texas. Larry had survived a life-saving liver transplant in 1995, and had been battling stage 2 throat cancer since June 2011. In recent years he appeared in films like Oliver Stone’s NIXON and the movie PRIMARY COLORS, as well as popular television shows like DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES.
I’ve had several interactions with Larry in the last few years, and every one of them was memorable and great. We first met at the Chiller convention back in 2007 (if I recall correctly), where he appeared as a special signing guest for the I DREAM OF JEANNIE reunion. I remember after the show wrapped up, we stood in front of the hotel waiting for cabs, and had a wonderful chat about life in Texas. Larry didn’t know me at all, but wasn’t the least bit shy about conversating with a fellow Texan. I met him again at the DALLAS reunion at Southfork Ranch shortly after, and again he was friendly and approachable. In 2011 I had multiple chats with him at the Dallas International Film Festival – you can see some of those interview clips below. My last meeting with Larry was at the TNT sneak preview of DALLAS earlier this year, where select members of the press were invited to chat with the cast on the red carpet. After the interviews, the cast and crew along with some of the attending press and special guests watched the first two episodes of the new series. I’ll never forget the thunderous applause Larry got as J.R. Ewing returned to perfect form before our eyes in the second episode… it was fantastic. I’ll miss seeing Mr. Hagman on TV and around my hometown. I had hoped to have the opportunity to do a lengthy sit down interview with Larry while he was in my neck of the woods, but he’s been staying pretty busy with the series, and I’m happy to know he was doing what he did best all the way until the end. Please send good thoughts and prayers to Larry’s friends and family, and let’s never forget his memorable contributions to the entertainment industry. If you have a particularly special memory of Larry’s work, post it in the comments below.
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Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
Rest in peace Larry Hagman. You are loved.