Thirty-five years ago, a global audience of 90 million tuned in to the iconic TV show “Dallas” to finally learn the answer to a question that had captivated them for months: Who shot J.R. Ewing? The revelation on November 21, 1980, marked a pivotal moment in television history, transforming “Dallas” from a hit show into a cultural phenomenon.
The “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline transcended the typical television drama. It wasn’t just about finding the culprit; it was about the collective experience of shared suspense and speculation. “Dallas” had tapped into a cultural nerve, creating a global conversation around the fate of its central character, the ruthless oil baron J.R. Ewing. Played with captivating malice by Larry Hagman, J.R. was a character viewers loved to hate. His shooting in the second season finale on March 21, 1980, left audiences stunned and eager for resolution.
The list of potential suspects was long and fueled intense debate. J.R.’s scorned wife, Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), and his long-time rival, Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval), were immediate contenders. Adding to the intrigue was J.R.’s scheming mistress and sister-in-law, Kristin Shepard, played by Mary Crosby. The writers, initially tasked with creating a cliffhanger to extend the season, hadn’t even decided on the shooter when the episode aired.
To maintain the secrecy, every member of the cast and crew, even Larry Hagman himself, filmed a scene shooting J.R. Crosby recalls the day as a fun event, with everyone taking a turn pulling the trigger. Hagman, ever the prankster, even celebrated the wrap by wearing a vest with fake bullet holes and drinking Scotch as liquid poured out of the holes.
The mystery was further prolonged by an actors’ strike, delaying the fall season premiere and extending the suspense for three agonizing months. The “Who Shot J.R.?” phenomenon intensified, spawning merchandise, betting pools, and even a Time magazine cover story. President Jimmy Carter reportedly joked about trying to uncover the secret during a Dallas fundraiser.
Finally, in the fourth episode of the new season, the world learned that Kristin Shepard was the shooter. Crosby herself only discovered this alongside the viewers, realizing the impact this revelation would have on her career and the show’s legacy.
While J.R. eventually recovered to continue his reign of terror, the “Who Shot J.R.?” storyline cemented the show’s place in television history. The show ran for 14 seasons, ending in 1991. J.R.’s character ultimately met his demise in 2013 in TNT’s “Dallas” revival, following Hagman’s death from cancer.
Crosby, reflecting on her role in the phenomenon, remembers Hagman fondly and credits him with teaching her “how to have a great time being a bad girl.” She acknowledges the unexpected impact of the storyline, stating, “I’m still a trivia question. What can I say?” The enduring legacy of “Who Shot J.R.?” is a testament to the power of suspense, compelling characters, and a shared cultural experience that transcended borders and generations.
