John Ross Ewing, Jr., more commonly known as J.R. Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, was a nefarious figure on the hit CBS television series Dallas (1978-1991). The series was a cross between Romeo and Juliet (Bobby Ewing and Pamela Barnes were lovers whose families were sworn enemies) and the western Bonanza (with an affluent patriarch and three sons). America's favorite antihero since Eddie Haskell, J.R. was a covetous, egocentric, and amoral oil baron, who was constantly plotting subterfuges to plunder his foes and their Texas-sized wallets.

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.?". Riding the crest of his newfound popularity, Larry Hagman threatened to leave the series unless his contractual demands were met. CBS leaked rumors of recasting, but the actor eventually prevailed.

J. R. Ewing is the eldest son of Jock Ewing and Miss Ellie Ewing. He was born in 1938 on Southfork. J.R. has two younger brothers Gary and Bobby and a half brother Ray Krebbs from Jock's affair during World War II. An alcoholic, Gary and his wife Val were spun-off into the prime time soap Knots Landing. Gary's daughter Lucy was whisked away to the ranch by J.R. Knots Landing was created before Dallas, but it was not bought by CBS until 1979.