James Pickens Jr.

Early life and education

Pickens was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He began acting as a student at Bowling Green State University. His first acting role was in a campus production of Matters of Choice by Chuck Gordone. Pickens earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from BGSU in 1976.

Career

Pickens started his professional acting career at the Roundabout Theatre in New York City playing Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun. In 1981, Pickens performed in the Negro Ensemble Company's production of A Soldier's Play, starring alongside Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson.

In 1986, Pickens began his TV career playing Zack Edwards on the soap opera Another World from 1986 to 1990. He went on to have recurring roles on The X-Files as Deputy Director Kersh, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The West Wing, Roseanne, Beverly Hills, 90210, JAG, and Six Feet Under. He also served a role in 42. In 1997, Pickens played the role of Stevens, head of NASA, in Disney’s comedy Rocket Man.

In 2002, Pickens had a cameo appearance as the male zoo doctor in the film Red Dragon.

In 2005, Pickens was chosen to play Dr. Richard Webber on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy.

In the February 28, 2007 all-star benefit reading of "The Gift of Peace" at UCLA's Freud Playhouse, he portrayed a man whose life experiences led him to volunteer in the peace movement. He played alongside actors Ed Asner, Barbara Bain, Amy Brenneman, George Coe, and Wendie Malick. The play was an open appeal and fundraiser for passage of U.S. House Resolution 808, which sought to establish a Cabinet-level "Department of Peace" in the U.S. government, to be funded by a two-percent diversion of the Pentagon's annual budget.

In 2018, Pickens has reprised his role as Chuckie Mitchell in two episodes of the tenth season revival of Roseanne. In 2019, he was inducted into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum.

Personal life

Pickens married Gina Taylor, a former member of Musique, on May 27, 1984 and has two children. In his spare time Pickens can be found horseback riding and roping cattle. He is a member of the United States Team Roping Championship and competes in roping events across the country. He owns an American Quarter Horse named Smokey.

James's two children, Carl Pickens and Gavyn Pickens, are both pursuing careers in show business. His son Carl is working on a Hip-Hop career and can be seen in various television appearances, including Hangin' with Mr. Cooper where he appeared alongside his long-time friend Omar Gooding. His father James Pickens Sr. worked for the City of Cleveland.

In November 2025, Pickens announced he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Later that same month, he announced he was cancer-free.

Filmography

Film

Television

References

References

1. (26 October 2023). "Famous birthdays list for October 26, 2023 includes celebrities Rita Wilson, James Pickens Jr".
2. "Actor, alum Pickens to address BGSU grads". www.bgsu.edu.
3. (18 May 2007). "H.R.808 - Department of Peace and Nonviolence Act, 110th Congress (2007-2008)".
4. "The Gift of Peace".
5. (November 17, 2017). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Good Doctor, Roseanne, Chicago Fire, Supernatural, Walking Dead, The Flash and More".
6. "Hall of Fame Inductees".
7. Heching, Dan. (November 14, 2025). "‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star James Pickens Jr. opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, touts early detection".
8. Pierre, Mekishana. (November 17, 2025). "Grey's Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. gives major update after sharing prostate cancer diagnosis".
9. "Listings - X-FILES, THE on FOX {{!}} TheFutonCritic.com".