Larry Hagman, 'Dallas' Star, Dead at 81

American actor, director and producer, Larry Hagman, best known for his role as "J.R. Ewing" from the TV series Dallas poses for a photo in front of a backdropwith an image of downtown Dallas, during a reception at the University of Texas at Tyler. Larry Hagman, who emerged in the 1960s as the slightly befuddled astronaut in "I Dream of Jeannie," then became a major star in the 1980s primetime soap"Dallas," playing evil oil baron J.R. Ewing, has died. He was 81. Hagman's cause of death was dueto complications related to his battle with cancer according to his family. Linda Gray, who played Hagman's on-screen wife on "Dallas" was at the actor's bedside when he died. "He brought joy to everyone he knew. He was creative, generous, funny, loving and talented, and I will miss him enormously. He was an original and lived life to the fullest," Gray said in a statement released through her publicist. Warner Bros."Dallas" executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin, and the show's cast and crew released the following statement today: "Larry Hagman was a giant, a larger-than-life personality whose iconic performance as J.R. Ewing will endure as one of the most indelible in entertainment history. He truly loved portraying this globally recognized character, andhe leaves a legacy of entertainment, generosity and grace. Everyone at Warner Bros. and in the "Dallas" family is deeply saddened by Larry's passing, and our thoughts are with his family and dear friends during this difficult time." Hagman inherited the acting genefrom his mother, Broadway musical legend Mary Martin. He'd had roles in television programs 20 years prior to "Dallas," including "I Dream of Jeannie" from 1965-70. "Dallas," which debuted in 1978 on CBS and had an astonishing 13-year run, centered on the Ewings, a family of Texas oil barons who had money, cattle, and more scandals and power struggles than the Kardashians.