When people remember Larry Hagman, they often picture J.R. Ewing, the unforgettable oil tycoon from Dallas. But behind the actor’s enormous television fame was a much quieter family life shared with his wife, Maj Axelsson. Their marriage lasted for nearly six decades and remained one of the most enduring relationships in Hagman’s life.
Maj Axelsson was a Swedish-born clothing designer who met Hagman while he was serving with the U.S. Air Force in London. At the time, Hagman was still building his career, long before Dallas turned him into an international star. Their relationship eventually led to marriage in 1954 and the beginning of a family life that continued through decades of Hollywood success.
Unlike her husband, Maj largely stayed away from the centre of public attention. She became known within the family as a supportive wife, mother and later grandmother. Her story offers a different perspective on the actor behind one of television’s most famous villains.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maj Axelsson Hagman |
| Known For | Larry Hagman’s Wife |
| Birth Date | May 13, 1928 |
| Birthplace | Eskilstuna, Sweden |
| Profession | Clothing Designer |
| Husband | Larry Hagman |
| Children | Two |
| Date of Death | May 31, 2016 |
Who Was Maj Axelsson?
Maj Axelsson was born on May 13, 1928, in Eskilstuna, Sweden. She was the eldest of four sisters and later moved to London, where she worked as a clothing designer. Her career in fashion brought her into the same world where she would eventually meet the young American serviceman who became her husband.
While stationed in Britain, Larry Hagman was involved in producing entertainment shows for U.S. military personnel. Their meeting changed the course of both their lives. They married in 1954, before Hagman had achieved his greatest success in television.
Maj Axelsson and Larry Hagman’s Marriage
The marriage between Maj Axelsson and Larry Hagman lasted 58 years, until Hagman’s death in November 2012. During those decades, the couple experienced the pressures and changes that came with a long acting career.
Hagman later spoke warmly about their relationship, describing meeting Maj as one of the best things that had happened to him. Their family moved frequently as his career developed, eventually spending many years in California.
Maj also supported the family through the less glamorous stages of Hagman’s career, when he was still working to establish himself as an actor. An obituary described her as an important presence within the family and noted that she continued her creative work in clothing and costume design.
Did Maj Axelsson and Larry Hagman Have Children?
Yes. Maj Axelsson and Larry Hagman had two children: daughter Heidi Kristina Mary, born in 1958, and son Preston Benjamin Axel, born in 1962. Hagman spoke about wanting to give his children a stable foundation despite the family’s constantly changing lifestyle.
Their children later gave them grandchildren, expanding a family that had strong connections to the entertainment world. Hagman once spoke proudly about becoming a grandfather and the happiness his grandchildren brought him.
Maj Axelsson’s Life Away From Hollywood
Although she was married to one of television’s biggest stars, Maj Axelsson did not seek the same level of attention. Her background in design gave her a creative identity of her own, while much of her later life centred around family.
Her quiet role became especially important as Larry Hagman’s career reached new heights. Dallas made him a global celebrity, while Maj remained largely outside the spotlight. That contrast became one of the defining features of their relationship.
In later years, Maj faced serious health difficulties. Hagman publicly discussed her Alzheimer’s disease and the emotional impact it had on their family. He continued to speak about their long marriage with affection.
When Did Maj Axelsson Die?
Maj Axelsson died on May 31, 2016, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88. She died several years after Larry Hagman, who passed away on November 23, 2012.
Her obituary remembered her not simply as Larry Hagman’s wife, but as an important part of her family’s life. She was described as a loving wife, a family mainstay and a woman who had built a life far beyond the celebrity status attached to her husband’s name.
Conclusion
Maj Axelsson lived much of her life away from the glare of Hollywood, but her connection to Larry Hagman made her part of television history. From her early years in Sweden and career as a designer to her long marriage, motherhood and later years, her story was closely connected with one of television’s most recognisable stars.
While Larry Hagman became famous as J.R. Ewing, Maj Axelsson remained the quieter figure beside him. Their nearly six-decade marriage ultimately became an important part of the personal story behind the public legend.
Also read: Who Was James Westley Welch, Raquel Welch’s First Husband?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Maj Axelsson?
Maj Axelsson was a Swedish-born clothing designer best known publicly as Larry Hagman’s wife. She married Hagman in 1954 and remained with him until his death in 2012.
When did Maj Axelsson marry Larry Hagman?
Maj Axelsson married Larry Hagman in 1954 while he was still establishing his acting career. Their marriage lasted nearly 58 years.
Did Maj Axelsson have children?
Yes. She and Larry Hagman had two children, Heidi Kristina Mary Hagman and Preston Benjamin Axel Hagman.
Where was Maj Axelsson born?
Maj Axelsson was born in Eskilstuna, Sweden, on May 13, 1928.
What did Maj Axelsson do for a living?
Maj worked as a clothing designer and was also credited as an actress in a small number of screen appearances.
When did Maj Axelsson die?
Maj Axelsson died on May 31, 2016, in Los Angeles at the age of 88.
How long were Maj Axelsson and Larry Hagman married?
They were married from 1954 until Larry Hagman’s death in 2012, making their marriage approximately 58 years long.
