Larry Hagman passes away at 81

Fans mourned today for the late Larry Hagman, best known for his portrayal of J.R. Ewing on the classic television show “Dallas.” According to sources the actor passed away around 4:30 p.m. Friday at a Dallas hospital. Hagman had been battling cancer and reportedly died from complications with the disease.

The family issued a statement today saying: “Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most. 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.”

Along with his family, former co-stars Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy were also at his side when he passed. “Dallas” had a long successful television run from 1978 to 1991, and Hagman returned to his character, J.R., in 2012 when the series was rebooted. The actor will continue to appear in the first few episodes of next season, since filming was underway at the time of his death.