James Pickens Jr. is an American actor, starring as Dr. Richard Webber on the ABC medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy.
Gatekeepers News reports that Pickens was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He began acting while a student at Bowling Green State University, where he later earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from BGSU in 1976.
Pickens’ first acting role was in a campus production of Matters of Choice by Chuck Gordone.
Early Career
He started his professional acting career at the Roundabout Theatre in New York City playing Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun. Pickens performed in the Negro Ensemble Company’s production of A Soldier’s Play (1981), starring alongside Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson.
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 “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.
Personal Life
He married Gina Taylor, a former member of Musique, on May 27, 1984, and has two children. 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.
Net Worth
His estimated net worth of about $13 million.
