J.R. Ewing

J.R.

Ewing is a fictional character from the American television series *Dallas* (1978–1991), a scheming oil baron who became an icon of ruthless ambition and corporate villainy.

The character, played by Larry Hagman, embodied 1980s excess and moral flexibility. "Who shot J.R.?" became a cultural phenomenon when a 1980 cliffhanger drew record viewership.

The name now serves as shorthand for a cunning, backstabbing businessman: He thinks he's J.R. Ewing, but he's just a middle manager with delusions.