JamesG
10-14-2011, 03:54 PM
Exclusive: "Dallas" Star Larry Hagman Battles Cancer
Oct 14, 2011
by Michael Schneider
Larry Hagman has been diagnosed with cancer, but doctors have told him it's a highly treatable form that might not impact his return as TV baddie J.R. Ewing on TNT's upcoming "Dallas" reboot.
Hagman, who turned 80 last month, is still set to report to work on October 17, when production begins on the revived primetime soap. Hagman is confirmed to appear in at least the first four episodes, and it's likely he'll appear in more beyond that.
It's unclear whether he'll need to take any time off while undergoing treatment. Insiders say there's a chance that he'll be able to continue on the show in some sort of capacity throughout the first season, which wraps production at the end of January.
"As J.R. I could get away with anything — bribery, blackmail and adultery," Hagman said in a statement.
"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 J.R. down!"
TNT and Warner Bros. TV's Warner Horizon arm (which produces the show) issued a joint statement:
"Everyone at Warner Horizon Television, TNT and the entire Dallas family completely supports Larry Hagman during this time. We look forward to watching Larry once again work his magic by bringing one of television's most interesting, complex and controversial characters back to the screen in the new Dallas series."
Hagman has faced other health scares in the past, including a well-publicized liver transplant in 1995, having developed cirrhosis of the liver after years of heavy drinking.
Since then he has spoken out against smoking and in support of the National Kidney Foundation (as a part of its organ transplant awareness program).
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Larry-Hagman-Cancer-1038739.aspx
Oct 14, 2011
by Michael Schneider
Larry Hagman has been diagnosed with cancer, but doctors have told him it's a highly treatable form that might not impact his return as TV baddie J.R. Ewing on TNT's upcoming "Dallas" reboot.
Hagman, who turned 80 last month, is still set to report to work on October 17, when production begins on the revived primetime soap. Hagman is confirmed to appear in at least the first four episodes, and it's likely he'll appear in more beyond that.
It's unclear whether he'll need to take any time off while undergoing treatment. Insiders say there's a chance that he'll be able to continue on the show in some sort of capacity throughout the first season, which wraps production at the end of January.
"As J.R. I could get away with anything — bribery, blackmail and adultery," Hagman said in a statement.
"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 J.R. down!"
TNT and Warner Bros. TV's Warner Horizon arm (which produces the show) issued a joint statement:
"Everyone at Warner Horizon Television, TNT and the entire Dallas family completely supports Larry Hagman during this time. We look forward to watching Larry once again work his magic by bringing one of television's most interesting, complex and controversial characters back to the screen in the new Dallas series."
Hagman has faced other health scares in the past, including a well-publicized liver transplant in 1995, having developed cirrhosis of the liver after years of heavy drinking.
Since then he has spoken out against smoking and in support of the National Kidney Foundation (as a part of its organ transplant awareness program).
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Larry-Hagman-Cancer-1038739.aspx