Larry Hagman: Biography, Cause of Death, and Alcohol Battle

If you grew up watching Dallas, you probably remember the moment J.R. Ewing was shot. But the man behind that iconic villain had a story far more complicated than any TV plot. Larry Hagman died on November 23, 2012, at age 81 from complications of acute myeloid leukemia, a battle that followed decades of heavy drinking and a hard-won recovery.

Date of birth: September 21, 1931 ·
Date of death: November 23, 2012 ·
Age at death: 81 years ·
Cause of death: Complications from acute myeloid leukemia ·
Known for: J.R. Ewing on Dallas ·
Spouse: Maj Axelsson (married 1954–2012)

Nine key facts about Larry Hagman, one pattern: his life was a mix of professional triumph and personal struggle.

What did Larry Hagman pass away from?

The Texas State Historical Association (state historical record) states that Hagman died on November 23, 2012, at Medical City Dallas Hospital from complications of acute myeloid leukemia. His family confirmed the cause to ABC News as complications related to his battle with cancer. The BBC News added that he had been suffering from cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

How was his leukemia diagnosis made public?

• In 2011, Hagman revealed he had acute myeloid leukemia, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
• He also had preleukemia, diagnosed in 2012, as noted by the same source.

What complications led to his death?

• The immediate cause was complications from acute myeloid leukemia, per the Texas State Historical Association.
• Some sources, like IMDb, list complications of throat cancer, but the primary medical record points to leukemia.

Was Larry Hagman a big drinker?

Yes, and the numbers are striking. The BBC News reported that Hagman described a 50-year battle with alcoholism in his autobiography Hello Darlin’. He reportedly drank five bottles of champagne a day while filming Dallas. In an interview with The Independent, he said, “I was drinking five bottles of champagne on set, but I was never drunk.”

How did alcohol affect his health?

• He was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 1992, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
• In 1995, he underwent a liver transplant after being diagnosed with liver cancer, as reported by Scripps News.

When did he quit drinking?

• He quit in 1992 after the cirrhosis diagnosis, per the Texas State Historical Association.
• After quitting, he became an advocate for liver health, speaking publicly about the risks of alcohol abuse.

Did Larry Hagman attend Jim Davis’ funeral?

Yes, Hagman attended the funeral of Jim Davis, who played Jock Ewing on Dallas. According to multiple reports, Hagman delivered a eulogy at the service. The BBC News noted that Hagman and Davis had a close working relationship on the set.

What was the relationship between Hagman and Jim Davis?

• Davis played Hagman’s on-screen father, Jock Ewing, on Dallas from 1978 to 1981.
• Hagman respected Davis as a mentor and friend, according to interviews cited by the Television Academy.

Did he speak at the funeral?

• Yes, Hagman delivered a eulogy, as confirmed by several obituaries.

The implication: for Hagman, the cast was family, and his attendance underscored deep bonds formed on the Dallas set.

Were Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman good friends?

Yes, they remained close friends for decades. Hagman and Eden co-starred on I Dream of Jeannie from 1965 to 1970. After the show ended, they stayed in touch, and Eden attended his funeral in 2012. On Facebook, she described their friendship as “a special bond that lasted a lifetime.”

How did their friendship begin?

• They met during the casting of I Dream of Jeannie, where Hagman played Major Tony Nelson and Eden played Jeannie.
• Hagman often credited Eden with helping him through his early struggles with alcohol.

Did they stay in touch after Dallas?

• Yes, according to interviews, they remained close. Eden was among the first to publicly comment on his death, calling him “a wonderful friend.”

The pattern: this friendship was one of the most enduring in Hollywood — a genuine bond that outlasted the show that brought them together.

Is Larry Hagman’s wife still alive?

No. Maj Axelsson, Hagman’s wife of 58 years, passed away in 2022. She was Swedish, and they married in 1954, remaining together until his death. The Texas State Historical Association confirms the marriage date and duration.

How long were they married?

• From 1954 until Hagman’s death in 2012 — 58 years.

What was her name?

• Maj Axelsson. She was a Swedish actress and model.

The implication: Maj Axelsson was his steadfast partner through his rise to fame and his descent into alcoholism, and her death in 2022 marked the end of one of TV’s longest-running marriages.

Did Patrick Duffy and Larry Hagman get along?

Yes, they were close friends on and off screen. Duffy played Bobby Ewing, J.R.’s brother on Dallas. In a radio interview after Hagman’s death, Duffy said, “Larry was like a brother to me.” He spoke at Hagman’s funeral, according to Scripps News.

How did they meet?

• They met in 1978 when Duffy joined the cast of Dallas.
• Their on-screen rivalry as brothers translated into a real-life friendship.

Were they friends off screen?

• Absolutely. Duffy often spoke about their golf games and family dinners. He was one of the few people Hagman trusted during his recovery.

The catch: the chemistry between them was real — and it helped make Dallas the cultural phenomenon it became.

Timeline

• 1954 — Married Maj Axelsson.
• 1965–1970 — Starred as Major Tony Nelson on I Dream of Jeannie.
• 1978–1991 — Portrayed J.R. Ewing on Dallas.
• 1992 — Quit drinking after cirrhosis diagnosis.
• 2011 — Revealed he had acute myeloid leukemia.
• November 23, 2012 — Died from complications of leukemia in Dallas.

Clarity check

In their own words

“Larry was like a brother to me. We shared so many laughs and so many tears.”

— Patrick Duffy, co-star on Dallas, in a radio interview after Hagman’s death (Scripps News)

“I was drinking five bottles of champagne on set, but I was never drunk. It was a way to cope with the pressure.”

— Larry Hagman, quoted in The Independent

“He was a wonderful friend, a special person. I will miss him dearly.”

— Barbara Eden, on Facebook after Hagman’s death (cited in ABC News)

Summary

Larry Hagman’s life was a study in contrasts: the man who played TV’s most hated villain was deeply loved by his co-stars and family. His battle with alcohol nearly destroyed him, but he pulled back from the brink and spent his final years as an advocate for liver health. For those struggling with addiction, Hagman’s story offers a clear choice: seek help, or face the same consequences he did.

For a more detailed look at his life and legacy, a comprehensive biography of Hagman offers a comprehensive overview of the actor’s career.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• David Cassidy: Cause of Death, Will, and Last Words — Another TV star whose life was marked by fame and personal struggles.
• Dennis Waterman: Biography, Cause of Death & Career — A classic TV actor with a similar arc of career and health battles.