Actor Larry Hagman played J.R. Ewing on the television series “Dallas.” (credit: CHRISTIAN ALMINANA/AFP/Getty Images)

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) – The man best known for his role as J.R. Ewing on the television show “Dallas” has died.

Sources confirm Larry Hagman, a North Texas native, died in a Dallas hospital, at the age of 81 after a battle with cancer.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY OF LARRY HAGMAN

Hagman released a statement about his diagnosis in October 2011, saying, “As J.R. I could get away with anything – bribery, blackmail and adultery. But I got caught by cancer.”

At that time, Hagman did not specify what kind of cancer he was diagnosed with, but said it was “a very common and treatable form.”

Hagman had recently relocated back to the Dallas area from California to revive his role as J.R. on TNT’s new version of “Dallas.”

He appeared in season one and part of season two.

On his website, Hagman dedicates sections to “Dallas” and “I Dream Of Jeannie,” on which he played Major Nelson. He also focuses on his volunteerism and charity work, including The Larry Hagman Foundation.

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