John Ross "J. R." Ewing, Jr. is a fictional character from the CBS series, Dallas. The character was portrayed by Larry Hagman since April 1978 when the series made its debut until the series finale on May 3, 1991. Hagman also appeared as J. R. in the 1986 prequal movie, Dallas: The Early Years. In the series finale in 1991, it appears that J. R. was shot and killed at the very end of the episode. However, in the first reunion movie, Dallas: J. R. Returns, it is revealed that someone was shooting at J. R.'s reflection and he was actually alive. Hagman returns as J. R. in the second reunion special, Dallas: War of the Ewings. Hagman also guest starred on the primetime spin-off, Knots Landing from time to time.