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
Larry Hagman alternative to alcohol. In 1995, Hagman underwent a life-saving liver transplant after he was diagnosed with liver cancer which was most likely brought on by approximately 40 years of heavy drinking. His clinical picture was further complicated by cirrhosis of the liver which had been diagnosed three years earlier in 1992. Hagman did not receive preferential treatment as a celebrity, with a 1995 UPI article stating that the donor liver "matched Hagman's anonymous physical profile listed with the United Network for Organ Sharing." He was also a heavy smoker as a young man before quitting at age 34. He was