Linda Gray Recalls Meeting Larry Hagman on First Day on “Dallas” Set: ‘Oh Dear, I Have a Crush on Major Nelson’

**Linda Gray Remembers Larry Hagman: From First Encounters to Fond Memories on ‘Dallas’**

In a recent interview on the “Celebrity Drop” podcast, Linda Gray took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recounting her first encounter with Larry Hagman, her co-star on the iconic television series *Dallas*. The pair portrayed one of television’s most famous couples, J.R. and Sue Ellen Ewing, for 14 seasons. Gray, now 85, reflected on the early days of their work together and the impression Hagman made on her.

Gray recounted how she met Hagman for the first time when she joined the cast of *Dallas*. The moment was marked by a rather amusing and unexpected gesture from Hagman, who arrived at their initial gathering with champagne in ice-filled saddlebags. “We were all in this room, the entire cast,” Gray said. “Nobody knew who we were. We were actors, unemployed actors that just got a job. And so we were all crammed together in this little room.”

Hagman’s charismatic and playful personality quickly caught Gray’s attention. In her account, she recalled how he greeted her warmly with the words, “Hello, darling.” This charming introduction sent a jolt of recognition through Gray, as she had a nostalgic connection to Hagman from his previous role as Major Nelson in the classic sitcom *I Dream of Jeannie*. She admitted, “I thought, ‘Oh dear, I have a crush on Major Nelson.’ And now he’s here in front of me.”

The interview revealed not only Gray’s admiration for Hagman but also the fun and often mischievous side of his personality. Known for his antics on set, Hagman had a reputation for pulling practical jokes, especially during the filming of more intimate scenes. Gray shared a humorous recollection from their shooting days, stating, “He would do things like eat an onion before a kissing scene with me. Like, ‘Oh, great, Larry. Thanks.'”

In addition to onions, Gray described Hagman’s antics with peanut butter, which he would consume before filming kissing scenes to keep her on her toes. “I had to keep straight,” she quipped, highlighting the light-hearted camaraderie that defined their working relationship.

Gray’s deep appreciation for Hagman extended beyond their on-screen chemistry. In earlier interviews, she has expressed that their bond extended into real life, making it all the more special. Their dynamic was palpable to audiences, contributing to *Dallas* becoming a cultural phenomenon during its airtime.

After over a decade of playing her iconic role, Gray reprised her character in the 2012 reboot of *Dallas*, which aired on TNT, demonstrating the lasting impact of the series on both actors and fans alike. The revival aimed to capture the nostalgia of the original show while introducing it to a new generation of viewers.

Reflecting on her time with Hagman, Gray’s memories serve as a reminder of the unique relationships forged in the world of television. While Hagman passed away in 2012 at the age of 81, his influence on *Dallas* and the legacy of his character, J.R. Ewing, continues to resonate.

In sharing these stories, Linda Gray not only honours the memory of her dear friend and colleague but also sheds light on the enduring charm and creativity that characterised their time on set. For fans of *Dallas*, these anecdotes offer a glimpse into the warmth and humour that lay beneath the drama of their on-screen personas. Through these memories, Hagman’s spirit and their shared experiences continue to flourish, reminding us of the power of television to create lasting bonds between actors and audiences alike.