By Iona Kirby Dallas star Larry Hagman has died at the age of 81. The actor, who was famed for playing JR Ewing on the hit show, died at a Dallas hospital on Friday after complications with his recent battle with throat cancer. He is survived by wife Maj, who he married in 1952. In 2008, Maj was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Scroll down for video Legend: Dallas star Larry Hagman, pictured (left) in the iconic show with Linda Gray in 1978 and (right) on November 15, has died at the age of 81 after complications with cancer. He was famed for playing JR Ewing
@highlight
Actor revealed in October 2011 that he had a form of throat cancer
@highlight
Hagman's 56-year showbiz career started in off-Broadway show
@highlight
In 1965 he landed TV part in I Dream of Jeannie, which ran for five years
@highlight
He starred in Dallas from 1978 until 1991, reprising his role earlier this year
@highlight
Hagman is survived by wife Maj, who he married in 1952, and two children
The late actor added: 'Besides, as we all know, you can't keep @placeholder down!'