Hagman’s ashes to be scattered worldwide

The ashes of former Dallas star Larry Hagman are to be scattered around the world after two private ceremonies in Texas and California this week, his agent has said.

The American actor, who as unscrupulous oil magnate J.R. Ewing captivated the hit show’s global audience for more than a decade, died at the age of 81, after complications arising from throat cancer last week.

“His family will decide what to do with his ashes,” agent John Castonia said in a video published on the Entertainment Tonight television show’s website, confirming that there will be no official burial.

“He’ll be spread around the world, basically. His son travels a great deal, and I know it’ll give Larry great pleasure,” Castonia said.

The actor, who lived in California, was in 1992 diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, which later developed into a cancerous tumour. Three years later, he underwent a liver transplant that saved his life. Once known for his partying ways, he gave up drinking and smoking and later headed anti-smoking campaigns.

Hagman first became a TV star in 1965 in the comedy series I Dream of Jeannie but it was not until Dallas and his role of villanous millionaire JR, that his Hollywood career really took off.