This is a 8x10 glossy picture of John Ross "J.R." Ewing Jr. is a central, nefarious figure on the hit CBS television series Dallas (1978–1991). J. R. is a covetous, egocentric, and amoral oil baron, who is constantly plotting subterfuges to plunder his foes and their wealth.[1]
The original character concept was a blend of Bonanza with a rich, western patriarch and his three dissimilar sons, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof with its rival brothers,and their scheming wives, and Romeo and Juliet with two star-crossed lovers whose families are sworn enemies. The thrust of the series was initially the feuding families, with J. R. just a supporting character. However, his popularity grew and the producers acknowledged he became the "break-out character". Two highly rated 1980 episodes became pop culture zeniths. In "A House Divided" and "Who Done It?", the audience witnessed J. R. being shot by an unknown assailant. After the cliffhanger was broadcast in March, the audience had to wait until the October conclusion. The summer of 1980 was all abuzz with a new national obsession known as "Who shot J. R.?".[2] Riding the crest of his new-found popularity, Larry Hagman threatened to leave the series unless his contractual demands were met. CBS leaked rumors of recasting, but the actor eventually prevailed.[3]
J. R. Ewing is considered one of television's most popular characters.[4][5]
In 1999 TV Guide ranked him number 11 on its "50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time" list.[6]
Wizard magazine ranked him the 69th Greatest Villain of all time