An American actor and director, he gained fame for his role as J.R. Ewing on the television series "Dallas." Born in Fort Worth, Texas, he was the son of actress Mary Martin. Before his iconic role on "Dallas," he starred as Major Tony Nelson in the sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie." Though primarily known for his acting, he also directed several episodes of "Dallas" and other TV shows. His career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting impact on television history.