J.R. Ewing is back! One the most fascinating and talked about characters in television history is back. TNT’s all new Dallas returns with all new episodes on Wednesday, June 13th at 9pm ET?PT. It’s been nearly two decades since viewers last saw them and the Ewing Family is back. The premiere episode has the family gathered at Southfork Ranch for the upcoming wedding of Bobby’s adopted son, Christopher, to Rebecca Sutter. Although the occasion is joyous, an old family rivalry crosses generations after secret oil drilling on Southfork results in a major gusher. Everyone has his or her own agenda when the fight over oil and land threatens to tear the Ewings apart once again. Let the games begin.
The series stars the original iconic characters, played by Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray, with the next generation, played by Jesse Metcalf, Josh Henderson, Jordana Brewster and Juliana Gonzalo.
Spotlight-On-Entertainment chatted with Josh Henderson who plays, John Ross, the son of the one and only JR, played by Larry Hagman. The actor talked about working on a show with such a rich and well known back story and talked working with Larry.
What’s it like to be on a show that’s such a cult classic?
Josh: An honor…I’m originally from there. I was born in Dallas, Texas so I knew how much of an impact the show had on Dallas on America but also the world. It’s history in general, it’s a very big deal and for me to be a part of it is very surreal. I feel blessed. My meema, which is my grandmother watched every week and she made me and the family watch every week. She hated JR, she couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next and now I’m playing his son.
Your character on Dallas already has such a history. Knowing that, how did you prepare for the role?
Josh: John Ross was a baby on the original so I knew that there was a lot of expectations about who and what the spawn of JR was going to be. So I just wanted to take what Larry did so well with JR. There’s something so magnetic about that character. I wanted to give a little taste that says he’s my father, how to live up to that expected power and I respect that about him. I don’t have a great relationship with my father but I respect it and that’s all I know. All I know about how to run a business. I’m definitely a chip off the old block.
What have you learned most from working with Larry?
Josh: In terms of working with Larry, it’s his energy. He walks in the room and he’s got this spirit but as soon its time he becomes that character of JR. The character takes over the room and you can’t help but be really drawn in so I’m learning by watching his work and the way he says certain lines a little differently and the subtle thing he does. I’m kind of trying to grab so of that attention as John Ross. In real life, I’m just trying to learn to what to expect and learn what comes with the territory on a show like this. We’re so blessed to have Patrick, Linda and Larry. We couldn’t have done this show without them. So to have them here with us…it’s pretty awesome.
