'Dallas' Larry Hagman diagnosed with cancer: 'You can't keep JR down'
Published Oct 14 2011, 21:38 BST | By Daniel Sperling
© WENN / Dominic Chan/ WENN.com
The 80-year-old confirmed in a statement that he is suffering from a "very common and treatable form" of the disease, but still aims to reprise his iconic role as JR Ewing in an upcoming reboot of the soap.
"As JR I could get away with anything - bribery, blackmail and adultery," Hagman said, as reported by TV Guide. "But I got caught by cancer. 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. 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 JR down."
Hagman is set to begin production on Dallas on Monday (October 17) and will appear in a minimum of four episodes.
Although it is unknown whether Hagman will need to take a break from filming for treatment, sources suggest that he will likely appear for the entire first season in some capacity.
Dallas wraps filming in January and will air in America on TNT in summer 2012.
Channel 5 won the exclusive UK rights for the series earlier this week, but an airdate has yet to be confirmed.
Watch this classic clip of Larry Hagman as JR Ewing in Dallas below:
Lots of love and light to Mr Hagman.
October 15th 2011 at 11:31am
an iconic character in one of the great shows...luved watching him when I was growing up....get well soon larry xx.
October 15th 2011 at 11:02am
I hope he beats it, I loved Dallas and he was also funny in his DH cameo! Good luck Larry.
October 15th 2011 at 10:35am
Aww, sorry to hear that Denise, I hope you get well soon. Best wishes to Larry too, what a legend.
October 15th 2011 at 9:42am
Get well soon Larry, my prayers are with you xx.
October 15th 2011 at 1:32am