James Pickens Jr., the beloved actor who has portrayed Dr. Richard Webber on “Grey’s Anatomy” for all 22 seasons of the medical drama, has publicly shared his prostate cancer diagnosis. In a candid interview with Black Health Matters, the veteran actor opened up about his health journey, his family history with the disease, and the importance of early detection.
A Family History That Made It Expected
For Pickens, the diagnosis wasn’t entirely unexpected. “It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family,” he explained. “My father had it. He had a lot of brothers; several of them had it. I would have been surprised if I hadn’t gotten it.”
Despite the prevalence of prostate cancer in his family, Pickens drew comfort from an important fact: he’s never known anyone in his family who died from the disease. “I’ve got a 90-year-old first cousin, who’s still alive, actually; he had it,” he said. “His son has it. A couple of his brothers had it. No one, as far as I know, has succumbed to it.”
This family history likely played a crucial role in Pickens’ proactive approach to monitoring his health—a decision that may have saved his life.
The Power of Early Detection
Pickens’ cancer was discovered through routine screening—specifically, a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. When the results came back concerning, his doctor ordered an MRI, which revealed “something suspicious.” A subsequent biopsy confirmed the presence of a tumor.
The good news? The cancer had not spread and was caught remarkably early. “We caught it really early, and so they thought that would be the best route to take,” Pickens said. The tumor was promptly removed through surgery.
However, Pickens’ case presented an unusual element. “I do have a rare variant that you don’t see very often,” he revealed. “They wanted to err on the side of caution and keep an eye on it. It was rare enough that they wanted to make sure that they were crossing all the T’s and dotting all their I’s. But they hadn’t seen one that was detected as early as mine.”
The rarity of his variant, combined with the exceptionally early detection, means his medical team is monitoring him closely—but the prognosis appears positive.
A Career Spanning Decades
Pickens has been a fixture on television for decades, with “Grey’s Anatomy” representing his most iconic and enduring role. Since the show’s premiere in 2005, he has portrayed Dr. Richard Webber, the former Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital and a mentor figure to generations of doctors on the series. His character has been central to some of the show’s most powerful storylines, dealing with themes of addiction, redemption, leadership, and legacy.
Beyond “Grey’s Anatomy,” Pickens’ impressive television resume includes memorable appearances on “The Conners,” “Roseanne,” and “The X-Files,” showcasing his versatility across comedy and drama.
Addressing Rumors with Compassion
In the wake of Pickens’ health news, unsubstantiated online rumors have circulated about his character being “killed off” or the actor leaving “Grey’s Anatomy.” These rumors appear to have no credible source and seem to be speculation rather than fact.
Should Pickens need to take time away from filming to focus on his health and recovery, that would be entirely understandable and supported by fans who have watched him bring Dr. Webber to life for over two decades. Many hope that any potential absence would be structured in a way that allows his beloved character to return when Pickens is ready.
An Important Message About Prostate Cancer
Pickens’ willingness to share his diagnosis publicly serves an important purpose: raising awareness about prostate cancer, particularly within the Black community. According to the American Cancer Society, Black men have the highest risk of developing prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease compared to white men.
Regular screening and early detection—exactly what saved Pickens—are critical tools in fighting prostate cancer. His story underscores the importance of routine PSA testing, especially for those with family histories of the disease or who belong to higher-risk demographic groups.
Looking Forward
As Pickens continues his recovery and monitoring, he has the support of countless fans, colleagues, and the “Grey’s Anatomy” family who have watched him grace their screens for over 20 years. His openness about his diagnosis not only helps reduce the stigma surrounding cancer but also encourages others—particularly men who might be reluctant to seek medical care—to prioritize their health through regular screenings.
Our thoughts remain with James Pickens Jr., his family, and his friends during this time. His early detection and successful treatment offer hope and serve as a powerful reminder that when it comes to cancer, catching it early can make all the difference.
