On November 21, 1980, over 350 million people worldwide tuned in to find out: Who shot J.R.?

In portraying the scheming, ruthless J.R. in Dallas during its entire run, from 1978 to 1991, Larry Hagman reached a level of fame and recognition that is rare, if not unique. Now the man behind J.R. tells his own story in an autobiography that is at once rowdy and moving, self-searching and scandalous, juicy and a "recovery story"--and often outrageously funny.

Though Larry Hagman is best known for his starring roles in two hugely successful--and very different--television...