For 22 seasons, James Pickens Jr. has portrayed Dr. Richard Webber on Shonda Rhimes‘ hit show “Grey’s Anatomy,” whose storylines have taken fans through alcoholism, the strain of caring for his Alzheimer’s-stricken wife Adele (Loretta Devine), and even cobalt poisoning.
Suggested Reading
In a striking example of art imitating life, Pickens himself recently revealed his own cancer diagnosis, just as his character faced the same battle on screen.
During the Nov. 13 midseason finale, Dr. Richard Webber revealed that he had prostate cancer. At the time, viewers did not know that Pickens, the 73-year-old actor who plays him, also faced the disease.
Pickens Used His Platform for Awareness
The following day, Pickens appeared in a public service announcement for Black Health Matters, using his real-life platform to urge Black men to get screened for prostate cancer. He encouraged Black men to take the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a simple blood test that measures the PSA protein, which is produced by normal and cancerous prostate cells.
Now cancer-free, the actor shared that the disease is highly treatable when caught early. “Today, I am living proof that early detection works. If you’re Black, or prostate cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about screening at 40,” he said in the video.
Family History and Early Detection
Although Pickens’ announcement may have surprised fans of the show, the actor spoke openly with Black Health Matters, sharing that his diagnosis wasn’t unexpected because his own father and several uncles had prostate cancer, too. “I would have been surprised if I hadn’t gotten it,” he said, adding that they all survived to his knowledge.
Pickens’ prostate cancer diagnosis began with a routine physical in 2024. His doctor noticed a rise in his PSA levels and referred him to a urologist. An MRI revealed “something suspicious” and a biopsy confirmed a tumor. Fortunately, a PET scan showed the cancer had not spread and was limited to just one quadrant of his prostate, Pickens said.
He credits annual physicals and consistent PSA testing since the age of 41 with catching the disease early. “We were able to catch it so early because you were being tested,” his urologist told him.
Response to His Message
Pickens’ message was well received by fans and followers.
One Instragram viewer wrote, “Thank you and congratulations Jim, Debbie, in the always forward-thinking Grey’s Anatomy Team! This message is of vital importance and extremely necessary to share!”
Another added, “Early Detection is the Key! Thank You!”
A third commented, “Thank you Grey’s Anatomy and @therealjamespickens for bringing much needed awareness to early detection for prostate cancer. It’s literally been a lifesaver for my family.”
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.