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 the CBS legal drama, "The Defenders" In 1964, he made his film debut in "Ensign Pulver", which featured a young Jack Nicholson. That same year, he also appeared in "Fail-Safe", with Henry Fonda. In 1965, Hagman was cast as "genie" Barbara Eden's television "master" and eventual love interest, Air Force Captain (later Major) Anthony Nelson, in the NBC situation comedy "I Dream of Jeannie", which ran for five seasons from 1965 to 1970. The show entered the top 30 in its first year and was NBC's answer to the successful 1960s magical comedies, "Bewitched" on ABC and "My Favorite Martian"