DALLAS star Larry Hagman turned vegan last year (11) when doctors advised him the best food he could eat while battling throat cancer was dairy and meat-free.

His healthy co-star Linda Gray suggested he revamp his diet as he struggled with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and now he can't thank her enough for totally turning his life around.

He explains, "I was getting fed through a feeding tube and the best way to get something through that little tube is having vegetation - and I feel better for it now. I'm more agile... I'm doing pretty well. I like it (vegan diet) and I'm thriving on it."

And Gray is thrilled her pal listened to her, joking that she stood on his chest and said, "Shut up! You're gonna eat this food."

Hagman, 81, is now cancer free.