Grey’s Anatomy fans were hit hard this week when beloved Dr. Richard Webber revealed in the midseason finale that he’s battling cancer — but it turns out life is imitating art for actor James Pickens Jr.
In a candid interview, the 71-year-old star opened up about his own prostate cancer diagnosis, telling Black Health Matters, ‘It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family.
‘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.’
Pickens has been proactive about his health, getting annual physicals for 34 years and PSA tests since age 41.
In January, his doctor flagged elevated PSA levels, sending him to a urologist for an MRI that showed ‘something suspicious.’
A biopsy confirmed a tumor — but thankfully, the cancer hadn’t spread.
Grey’s Anatomy fans were hit hard this week when beloved Dr. Richard Webber revealed in the midseason finale that he’s battling cancer — but it turns out life is imitating art for actor James Pickens Jr.; (pictured 2019)
Pickens Jr. joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy in its very first season back in 2005 and has been a fixture ever since, earning praise for his portrayal of the hospital’s seasoned Chief of Surgery
The actor opted for a radical prostatectomy, performed robotically by two urologists, which required just a one-day hospital stay.
‘We caught it really early, and so they thought that would be the best route to take. I do have a rare variant that you don’t see very often. They wanted to err on the side of caution and keep an eye on it,’ Pickens explained.
‘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.’
Now, Pickens is using his experience to raise awareness.
He filmed a PSA with Black Health Matters, sharing it widely on social media.
‘One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime,’ he said in the video. ‘For Black men, the risk is even higher.
‘Fortunately, prostate cancer is highly treatable, but early detection is the key, and sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.
‘For years, I worked with Black Health Matters to urge men to get screened regularly, starting with a simple blood test. Today, I am living proof that early detection works.
A biopsy confirmed a tumor — but thankfully, the cancer hadn’t spread
The actor opted for a radical prostatectomy, performed robotically by two urologists, which required just a one-day hospital stay; (pictured 2025)
‘If you’re Black, or prostate cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about getting screened starting at age 40. To learn more, go to blackhealthmatters.com.’
Fans watching Grey’s this week may have felt a lump in their throat at Richard Webber’s storyline — but knowing that Pickens is doing well off-screen adds a hopeful twist to the drama.
Pickens Jr. joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy in its very first season back in 2005 and has been a fixture ever since, earning praise for his portrayal of the hospital’s seasoned Chief of Surgery.
Over the years, Grey’s Anatomy has become a TV staple, known for its emotional storylines and long-running drama.
Pickens’ character Dr. Webber has mentored countless interns and residents, earning him a spot as a fan favorite for nearly 20 years.
