'Dallas' Producers React to Larry Hagman Death
Hagman had filmed six of the 15 episodes of the TNT drama's upcoming second season.

Dallas star Larry Hagman died at age 81 on Friday evening, more than one year after being diagnosed with "treatable" cancer.

Hagman, who also starred in I Dream of Jeannie, reprised his role as the evil oilman J.R. Ewing on the TNT update, which is readying its second season launch.

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, which is set to return Jan. 28.

"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."

It is unclear at this time whether production on season two of the primetime soap will be affected.

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Barbara Eden's statement (via her Facebook fan page):

As I received the news this evening and as you read this I still cannot completely express the shock and impact from the news that Larry Hagman has passed. I can still remember, that first day on Zuma Beach with him, in the frigid cold. From that day for five more years, Larry was the center of so many fun, wild, shocking… and in retrospect, memorable moments that will remain in my heart forever.

He was such a key element in my life for so long and even, years after I Dream of Jeannie; our paths crossed many times. Throughout various productions I had the pleasure of watching the Texas Tornado that was Larry Hagman. Amidst a whirlwind of big laughs, big smiles and unrestrained personality Larry was always, simply Larry. You couldn't fault him for it, it was just who he was. I am so thankful that this past year I was able to spend time with him and experience yet again ‘Larry’ in all his Big Texas bravado.

I, like many others believed he had beat Cancer and yet we are reminded that life is never guaranteed. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Maj, his son and daughter and his grandchildren, as well as his friends in this time of his passing. I can honestly say that we've lost not just a great actor, not just a television icon, but an element of pure Americana.

Goodbye Larry, there was no one like you before and there will never be anyone like you again.
-Barbara