Larry Hagman who spent more than a decade playing TV villain JR Ewing has died at the age of 81, his family has said in a statement.

 

Hagman, who had suffered from cancer and cirrhosis of the liver, died in hospital on Friday afternoon.

 

Long-time friend Linda Gray, who played Sue Ellen in the hit series, was by his bedside when he died.

 

“Larry Hagman was my best friend for 35 years,” said Ms Gray in a statement released by her agent.

 

“He was the Pied Piper of life and 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 full.”

 

In a statement, Larry’s family said: “Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most.

 

“Larry’s family and close friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

“When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for.

 

“The family requests privacy at this time.”

 

Several Dallas co-stars have released statements in memoriam.

 

Victoria Principal “Larry was bigger than life..on screen and off. He is unforgettable, and irreplaceable, to millions of fans around the world, and in the hearts of each of us, who was lucky enough to know and love him.

Look out God…Larry’s leading the parade.”

 

Barbara Eden who starred alongside Larry on I Dream of Jeannie and Dallas – “Larry Hagman not just a great actor, not just a television icon, but an element of pure Americana. I’ll miss him”

 

Judith Light – “So sad 2 hear the news re the brilliant gracious extraordinary Larry Hagman. He will b missed. Sending love 2 all specially Linda & Patrick”

 

Ken Kercheval – “A friend and long time partner… the other half…RIP Larry Hagman…. your spirit will live long.”

 

Claudia Lonow (Knots Landing) – “Sad about Larry Hagman. He’d guest star on “Knots.” He’d walk around wearing pink sunglasses and a beanie with a propeller on top”

 

Larry King - “I’m shocked. Larry Hagman was a dear man who had an incredible career. He helped me to stop smoking. He really was a very special person.”

 

Morgan Brittany who played Katherine Wentworth – “Love you Larry! RIP JR and know that you will always be a legend! No one can top you Larry, no one”

 

In a joint statement issued by Dallas studio Warner Bros. TV and Dallas executive producers Cynthia Cidre and Michael M. Robin, as well as the cast and crew, they celebrated Hagman’s “giant, larger-than-life personality.” Hagman had filmed six of the 15 episodes for the new season.

 

“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,” the statement said. “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.”

 

“All of us at TNT are deeply saddened at the news of Larry Hagman’s passing,” said TNT in a statement. “He was a wonderful human being and an extremely gifted actor. We will be forever thankful that a whole new generation of people got to know and appreciate Larry through his performance as J.R. Ewing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”