Dallas Titan Larry Hagman: I Have Cancer

TV star reveals he'll undergo treatment for the disease but his hopeful for a full recovery

By Josh Grossberg Oct 14, 2011 8:38 PMTags
Larry HagmanLaura Farr/ZUMA Press

He survived to live another day as J.R. Ewing. And now Larry Hagman vows to do the same in real life.

The Dallas star today announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer, but the disease is not going to stop him from appearing in TNT's reboot of the classic '80s prime-time soap.

"As J.R. I could get away with anything—bribery, blackmail and adultery. But I got caught by cancer," Hagman said in a statement. "I do want everyone to know that it is a very common and treatable form of cancer. I will be receiving treatment while working on the new Dallas series."

The 80-year-old actor, who had a liver transplant in 1995, didn't elaborate on the type of cancer he has, nor did he say what kind of treatment he'll undergo. But he sounded optimistic he'll be able to continue donning the cowboy hat as the iconic oil man in the new show focusing on the next generation of the Ewing clan.

"I could not think of a better place to be than working on a show I love, with people I love. Besides, as we all know, you can't keep J.R. down!" Hagman noted.

Warner Horizon Television, TNT and the cast and crew working on the new Dallas issued a statement expressing support for the star:

"We look forward to watching Larry once again work his magic by bringing one of television's most interesting, complex and controversial characters back to the screen in the new Dallas series."

The revamp, which will also see the return of Patrick Duffy (Bobby) and Linda Gray (Sue Ellen Ewing), is set to premiere in summer 2012.