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J. R. Ewing
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John Ross "J. R." Ewing, Jr. is a fictional character in the hit U.S. television series Dallas (1978–91) and its spin-offs, including the revived Dallas series (2012–13). The character was portrayed by actor Larry Hagman from the series premiere in 1978 until his death in late 2012 and was the only actor who appeared in all 356 episodes of the original series. One of the show's most iconic figures, J. R. has been central to many of the series' biggest storylines. He is depicted as a covetous, egocentric, manipulative and amoral oil baron with psychopathic tendencies, who is constantly plotting subterfuges to plunder his foes and their wealth.The original character concept was a blend of Bonanza with a rich, western patriarch and his three dissimilar sons, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with its rival brothers, and their scheming wives, and Romeo and Juliet with two star-crossed lovers whose families are sworn enemies. The thrust of the series was initially the feuding families, with J. R. just a supporting character, but his popularity grew and the producers acknowledged he became the breakout character. Two highly rated 1980 episodes became part of a cultural phenomenon that year known as "Who shot J.R.?". In "A House Divided", the audience witnessed J. R. being shot by an unknown assailant.
After the cliffhanger was broadcast in March, the audience had to wait until the October conclusion, "Who Done It". With his new-found popularity, Larry Hagman threatened to leave the series unless his contractual demands were met. CBS leaked rumors of recasting, but the actor eventually prevailed. He also appeared in five episodes of spin-off series Knots Landing between 1980 and 1982. The character is featured in the first two seasons of the 2012 reincarnation series as well. Hagman died on November 23, 2012, and Dallas producers subsequently announced that J. R. would be killed off in the second season. The episode "The Furious and Fast" dealt with J. R's death.
J. R. Ewing is considered one of television's most popular characters, with TV Guide naming him #1 in their 2013 list of The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time.
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Filmography of J. R. Ewing (2 films)
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Dallas - War of The Ewings (1998)
, 2hOrigin USA
Genres Drama
Actors Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Larry Hagman, Michelle Johnson, Steve Kanaly, George Kennedy
Rating62%
The opening scene is reminiscent of the shower scene with Bobby (Patrick Duffy) and Pamela Barnes Ewing from the original series, but with Sue Ellen Ewing (Linda Gray) entering and kissing Bobby. Again, this is a dream of J.R. Ewing's (Larry Hagman). Bobby and Sue Ellen now own Ewing Oil, and J.R., who seized control of West Star Oil from Carter McKay (George Kennedy) in J.R. Returns wants to regain the company. This would give him control of the top two independent oil companies in Texas. He applies for a loan to use in a hostile takeover, but is declined because he doesn't have enough assets to cover the loan.
Dallas: J.R. Returns (1996)
, 2hDirected by Leonard Katzman
Origin USA
Genres Drama
Actors Rosalind Allen, Chris Demetral, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Larry Hagman, Omri Katz
Rating66%
The cliffhanger ending of the 1991 Dallas series finale is resolved in the opening minutes of the movie. The gunshot J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) fired was at the mirror, not himself.