A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in 1976 served as the academic foundation for James Pickens Jr., an American actor born in Cleveland in 1954. His career spans decades of consistent television and film roles, characterized by long-running appearances on major network series and specialized theatrical performances in New York City.
Early Theater and Television Beginnings
Pickens began his performance career as a student at Bowling Green State University, where he appeared in a campus production of Matters of Choice by Chuck Gordone. Upon moving to New York City, he secured a professional role at the Roundabout Theatre, playing Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun. In 1981, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company for their production of A Soldier's Play, sharing the stage with Samuel L. Jackson and Denzel Washington. His television career commenced in 1986 with a four-year stint playing Zack Edwards on the soap opera Another World.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Expanding Television Roles
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Pickens established a presence through recurring roles across multiple genres. His television portfolio includes appearances on The West Wing, JAG, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Six Feet Under. He also served as Deputy Director Alvin Kersh during later seasons of the Fox science fiction series The X-Files.
Grey's Anatomy and Film Credits
In 2005, Pickens began his tenure as Dr. Richard Webber on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Outside of television series, his film work includes a 1997 appearance as a NASA official in the comedy Rocket Man, a role as a zoo doctor in the 2002 film Red Dragon, and a part in the film 42. In 2007, he participated in a benefit reading of The Gift of Peace at the UCLA Freud Playhouse to support the establishment of a U.S. Department of Peace.
Personal Pursuits and Interests
Pickens married Gina Taylor on May 27, 1984, and they have two children, Carl and Gavyn Pickens. Beyond acting, he is an active member of the United States Team Roping Championship, regularly competing in roping events. He owns an American Quarter Horse named Smokey. In November 2025, he publicly shared news of a prostate cancer diagnosis, subsequently announcing later that same month that he was cancer-free.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Cleveland, Ohio
- Education: Bowling Green State University, BFA 1976
- Spouse: Gina Taylor (married 1984)
- Notable Role: Dr. Richard Webber in Grey's Anatomy
- Professional Recognition: Inducted into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in 2019
- Hobbies: Horseback riding and roping
Questions readers ask
What medical drama is James Pickens Jr. best known for?
He is best known for his role as Dr. Richard Webber on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, a role he has played since 2005.
What other series has Pickens appeared in repeatedly?
He has held recurring roles on several series, including The X-Files as Deputy Director Alvin Kersh and Roseanne as Chuck Mitchell.
Achievements
- Educated at Bowling Green State University
- Worked as television actor, actor and film actor
.jpg)
