Larry Hagman undergoing treatment for cancer

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Larry Hagman says he has been diagnosed with a "very common and treatable form of cancer."

Hagman, 80, is best known for his work on the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" and the nighttime soap "Dallas" from 1978 to 1991. He is due to start work Monday on a revamped version of "Dallas."

"As ['Dallas character J.R. Ewing] I could get away with anything -- bribery, blackmail and adultery," Hagman said in a statement issued to TVGuide.com Friday. "But I got caught by cancer. I do want everyone to know that it is a very common and treatable form of cancer. I will be receiving treatment while working on the new 'Dallas 'series. I could not think of a better place to be than working on a show I love, with people I love. Besides, as we all know, you can't keep J.R. down!"

"Everyone at Warner Horizon Television, TNT and the entire 'Dallas' family completely supports Larry Hagman during this time. We look forward to watching Larry once again work his magic by bringing one of television's most interesting, complex and controversial characters back to the screen in the new 'Dallas' series," TNT and Warner Bros. TV's Warner Horizon said in a joint statement.

Other original "Dallas" stars returning to the spinoff are Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, Linda Gray, Steve Kanaly and Ken Kercheval. New cast members include Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo, Josh Henderson, Brenda Strong and Jesse Metcalfe.