Larry Hagman Larry Hagman Larry Martin Hagman (September 21, 1931 – November 23, 2012) was an American film and television actor, director and producer best known for playing ruthless oil baron J.R. Ewing in the 1980s primetime television soap opera "Dallas" and befuddled astronaut Major Anthony "Tony" Nelson in the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie". Hagman had supporting roles in numerous films, including "Fail-Safe", "Harry and Tonto", "S.O.B.", "Nixon" and "Primary Colors". His television appearances also included guest roles on dozens of shows spanning from the late 1950s until his death and a reprise of his signature role on the 2012
Dallas (1978 TV series) "Scenes from a Marriage". However, CBS wanted a "saga-like" show, resulting in Jacobs creating "Dallas". When the series proved to be a hit, CBS reconsidered Jacobs's original idea, which evolved into "Dallas" spin-off series "Knots Landing", premiering in late 1979. "Knots Landing" followed the lives of Lucy's parents, Gary (Ted Shackelford) and Valene (Joan Van Ark), as they move to California to start a new life following the start of their second marriage in 1979. During the early seasons of "Knots Landing", several "Dallas" actors (Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, and Mary Crosby) made guest appearance in the new