'Dallas' Producers Confirm Death Of Larry Hagman, Who Played J.R. Ewing, Will Be Incorporated Into Series Storyline

Can Dallas Continue After The Loss Of J.R.?
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Larry Hagman's death will cast a huge shadow over the current production of 'Dallas', now filming its second series since the relaunch.

The 81-year-old actor, who played the iconic J.R. Ewing in all of the 14 original series as well as the recent reboot, died at home in Texas on Friday afternoon, surrounded by family and close friends.

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Larry Hagman was delighted to be working again with his old friends Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy

Studio bosses behind the new show which is broadcast on Channel 5 in the UK, have confirmed that production will continue, with the loss of one of its biggest characters being incorporated into the storyline.

Larry Hagman, along with other original cast members Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy, came to London in April to help launch the new show. Channel 5 boss Richard Desmond remembers,

"He was the ultimate professional and a very good guy who I had the privilege of meeting a number of times. He was very funny and made us all laugh. This is a very sad day for his family, friends and fans."

Warner Bros, who made the original show which drew one of the biggest-ever TV audiences of nearly 400 million viewers worldwide to resolve its cliff-hanger of 'Who Shot J.R.?' released the following statement:

"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, and he 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."

In honour of Larry's life and work, Channel 5 will be putting out an exclusive 30 minute programme: 'A Tribute to Larry Hagman: At home with JR.' It will be on tomorrow night at 9pm.

Larry Hagman
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Photo dated 18/11/1980 of Larry Hagman and his mother Mary Martin meeting the Queen Mother, as Larry Hagman has died at the age of 81, his family said today. (credit:PA)
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This Feb. 2, 1979 file photo shows actor Larry Hagman next to a camera on the set of the television series "Dallas." Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/George Brich, File) (credit:AP)
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Photot dated 16/1/85 of Linda Gray (left) and Larry Hagman, who has died at the age of 81, his family said today. (credit:PA)
Beatrice Lillie Richard Halliday, Mary Martin, Heller Weir, Larry Hagman(04 of28)
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In this Oct. 17, 1963 file photo, Broadway star Mary Martin is congratulated backstage after the opening of her new musical "Jennie" at New York's Majestic Theater. From left are Beatrice Lillie Richard Halliday, husband of Mary Martin, Heller Weir, daughter of Mary Martin, and Martin's son Larry Hagman. Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Ray Howard, File) (credit:AP)
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Photot dated 17/11/80 of Larry Hagman with his wax portrait at Madame Tussaud's in London, as Larry Hagman has died at the age of 81, his family said today. (credit:PA)
television show; TV Show(06 of28)
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In this June 4, 1965 file photo, from left, cameraman Sam Rosen and director Gero Nelson guide the co-star of the series "I Dream of Jeannie," Larry Hagman, as he emerges from a mockup of the Apollo space vehicle, filming at North American Aviation's Space Division in Downey, Calif. (AP Photo/File) (credit:AP)
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Photo dated 21/8/12 of Larry Hagman has died at the age of 81, his family said today. (credit:PA)
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Photo dated 23/10/01 of Larry Hagman with one of the cast of Bad Girls, as Mr Hagman has died at the age of 81, his family said today. (credit:PA)
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In this Nov. 4, 2011 file photo, actor Larry Hagman pauses during an interview on location during the filming for the upcoming new television show "Dallas" in Dallas. Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File) (credit:AP)
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In this Sunday, Feb. 3, 1986 file photo, actress Mary Martin touches the cheek of her son, Larry Hagman, also a famous actor, at the after-theater party for "Legends," a play starring Martin and Carol Channing, at the Music Center in Los Angeles. Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) (credit:AP)
HAGMAN(11 of28)
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In this Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003 file photo, actor Larry Hagman sits in front of a poster of himself during a news conference in Berlin during a tour to promote the German translation of his autobiography. Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) (credit:AP)
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This 1983 file photo shows actor Larry Hagman, center left, with fellow cast members of the television series "Dallas." Back row from left are Howard Keel, Barbara Bel Geddes, Larry Hagman, Linda Grey, Susan Howard and Steve Kanaly. Front row from left are Priscilla Presley, Victoria Principal and Ken Kercheval. Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/CBS, File) (credit:AP)
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This 1981 photo provided by CBS shows Larry Hagman in character as J.R. Ewing in the television series "Dallas." Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012. (AP Photo/CBS, file) (credit:AP)
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In this Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 photo, actor Larry Hagman listens to a reporter's question while visiting the Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas, made famous in the television show "Dallas." Actor Larry Hagman, who for more than a decade played villainous patriarch JR Ewing in the TV soap Dallas, has died at the age of 81, his family said Saturday Nov. 24, 2012(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (credit:AP)
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Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray and Larry Hagman arrives at the Channel 5 Dallas launch party at Old Billinsgate in London. (credit:PA)
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US actor Larry Hagman arrives on the red carpet to attend the launch of the new 10-part series of US television show Dallas in London on August 21, 2012. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Television - Larry Hagman "Madame Tussaud's" Photocall - London(17 of28)
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Actor Larry Hagman, who stars on American soap opera "Dallas" as JR Ewing, at Madame Tussaud's in London to view his wax portrait (credit:PA)
Actor Larry Hagman poses during a press(18 of28)
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Actor Larry Hagman poses during a press preview of the auction of his personal antiques, fine and decorative art, furniture, and memorabilia from the classic 1980's primetime soap opera Dallas on May 24, 2011. The auction sale will be held at Julien's Auctions Gallery in Beverly Hills, California on Saturday, June 4, 2011. Larry Hagman is best known for his role as JR Ewing in the 'Dallas' TV show. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Actor Larry Hagman poses during a press(19 of28)
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Actor Larry Hagman poses during a press preview of the auction of his personal antiques, fine and decorative art, furniture, and memorabilia from the classic 1980's primetime soap opera 'Dallas' on May 24, 2011. The auction sale will be held at Julien's Auctions Gallery in Beverly Hills, California on June 4, 2011. Larry Hagman is best known for his role as JR Ewing in the 'Dallas' TV show. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
AARP Magazine's "10th Annual Movies For Grownups" Awards Gala - Arrivals(20 of28)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Actor Larry Hagman arrives at the AARP Magazine 10th Annual Movies For Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 7, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
2011 Vienna Opera Ball(21 of28)
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VIENNA, AUSTRIA - MARCH 03: Larry Hagman photographs with his smart phone during the traditional Vienna Opera Ball at the state opera on March 3, 2011 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
AARP Magazine's "10th Annual Movies For Grownups" Awards Gala - Arrivals(22 of28)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Actor Larry Hagman arrives at the AARP Magazine 10th Annual Movies For Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 7, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
AARP Magazine's "10th Annual Movies For Grownups" Awards Gala - Red Carpet(23 of28)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Actor Larry Hagman arrives at AARP Magazine's '10th Annual Movies For Grownups' Awards Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on February 7, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
US actor Larry Hagman poses during a pho(24 of28)
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US actor Larry Hagman poses during a photocall prior to the closing Ceremony of the 2010 Monte Carlo Television Festival held at Grimaldi Forum on June 10, 2010 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. The Monte Carlo Television Festival held since 1961, aims at encouraging the new art form of television. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTIAN ALMINANA (Photo credit should read CHRISTIAN ALMINANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Monte Carlo TV Festival - 50th Anniversary Celebration(25 of28)
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 09: Actor Larry Hagman arrives to attend the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Monte Carlo TV Festival at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel on June 9, 2010 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
US actor Larry Hagman of the TV series "(26 of28)
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US actor Larry Hagman of the TV series 'Dallas' poses during the 2010 Monte Carlo Television Festival held at the Grimaldi Forum on June 8, 2010 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. The Monte Carlo Television Festival held since 1961, aims at encouraging the new art form of television. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTIAN ALMINANA (Photo credit should read CHRISTIAN ALMINANA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
50th Monte Carlo TV Festival - Day 2(27 of28)
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 08: Actor Larry Hagman attends an interview during the 50th Monte Carlo TV Festival at Grimaldi Forum on June 8, 2010 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
"I Dream Of Jeannie" DVD Launch(28 of28)
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NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Actors Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden attend the 'I Dream of Jeannie' DVD Launch at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on March 15, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)