Larry Hagman, the iconic television star, maybe most famous for the character of J.R. Ewing from the t.v. show "Dallas", has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 81.

Hagman died Friday at 4:20 p.m. at Medical City Dallas Hospital from complications in his fight with cancer.  His family released a statement in a post at DallasNews.com...

Larry’s family and close friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday. When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for. The family requests privacy at this time.”

Hagman's big break came in the role of Major Anthony Nelson on the series "I Dream of Jeannie". The series ran for five years, and has been on television in re-runs forever. (I loved that show, both black and white, and color episodes.)

Check this out... the very first episode of "I Dream of Jeannie"...

Hagman took on the role of J.R. Ewing in the t.v. series "Dallas" in 1977, and many think of that as the gig that really launched him to stardom, and made him most iconic in television history.

Hagman most recently returned to star in the 2012 TNT re-make, of the "Dallas" series...

Hagman had a liver transplant in 1995, and most recently had been battling throat cancer.

(I am not sure of the year, it was around the time that J.R. got shot, my younger brother Doug was at the skating rink, and broke his arm.  He called home, and told my mother that he needed to go to the hospital. She told him.... "Wait 'til Dallas is over, and I will be there.")

More From 107.9 Jack FM