Larry Hagman: The Early Years
Larry Hagman was born on September 21, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas. His mother was an actress, and his father was a lawyer. Hagman spent most of his childhood in Texas, attending various schools before finally settling at Bard College in New York. After college, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.
Despite being the son of a famous actress, Hagman struggled to find success in Hollywood. He appeared in small roles in films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 60s, but it wasn’t until he landed the role of Major Anthony Nelson in the hit TV series I Dream of Jeannie that he became a household name.
Larry Hagman: The Dallas Years
After I Dream of Jeannie ended, Hagman was approached to play the role of J.R. Ewing in the new TV series Dallas. The show was an instant hit, and Hagman’s portrayal of the conniving oil tycoon made him one of the most beloved and hated characters on television.
Hagman continued to play J.R. Ewing throughout the show’s 14 seasons, becoming one of the highest-paid actors on television. He was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his performance in the role.
Larry Hagman: Affairs and Personal Life
Hagman was married twice and had two children. He was known for his wild partying and womanizing, which often led to tabloid headlines. In his memoir, he admitted to having affairs with several of his co-stars, including Joan Collins and Barbara Eden.
Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, Hagman was a devoted husband and father. He was married to his second wife, Maj Axelsson, for over 50 years until his death in 2012.
Larry Hagman: Cause of Death
Hagman was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2011 and underwent treatment. He continued to work on the Dallas reboot until his death on November 23, 2012, at the age of 81. His death was attributed to complications from the cancer.
Hagman’s passing was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, with many paying tribute to his talent and larger-than-life personality.
Larry Hagman: Net Worth
At the time of his death, Hagman’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million. Much of his wealth came from his work on Dallas, which earned him a reported $100,000 per episode in its later seasons.
Hagman was also a savvy businessman, investing in real estate and owning several properties throughout his life.
