Larry Hagman
Larry Hagman, born on September 21, 1931 in Fort Worth, Texas, is an American actor whose name became synonymous with the long-running television drama Dallas. The son of Broadway actress Mary Martin and district attorney Benjamin Jack Hagman, he spent much of his early life in the care of his grandmother due to his parents' demanding careers. Despite experiencing a somewhat tumultuous childhood, Larry developed a deep love for the performing arts, largely inspired by his mother's successful acting career.
Hagman's acting journey began in earnest when he moved to New York City in 1950. He spent several years receiving minor roles in both stage productions and television shows. His big break finally arrived in 1965 when he secured the role of Major Anthony Nelson in the popular sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. The show ran for five seasons and marked Hagman's first significant success in the world of television. However, it was his portrayal of J.R. Ewing in the soap opera Dallas that established him as a household name. The infamous character, known for his scheming and manipulative nature, made Hagman one of the most recognized faces on television throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
Away from the camera, Hagman led a vibrant lifestyle which included a passion for renewable energy and environmental conservation. He used his influence to advocate for various environmental causes and invested heavily in renewable energy sources for his own home. Unfortunately, his high-spirited living also involved heavy drinking, leading to a liver transplant in 1995 due to cirrhosis. Despite this setback, he continued to work until his death in 2012.