Actor James Pickens Jr., who plays Dr. Richard Webber on Grey’s Anatomy, has revealed he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, a disease he says has deeply affected his family for generations.
The 69-year-old actor made the announcement during a public service message that aired right after the show’s November 13 midseason finale, in which his character, Dr. Webber, also reveals a cancer diagnosis.
“It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family,” Pickens said in an interview with Black Health Matters. “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.”
He added, “I’ve got a 90-year-old first cousin, who’s still alive, actually; he had it. His son has it. A couple of his brothers had it. No one, as far as I know, has succumbed to it.”
James Pickens Jr. has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Credit: Amanda Edwards / Getty
Pickens opens up about his family history and diagnosis
The Just Wright actor began PSA testing in his early 40s, which he believes made all the difference.
His doctor told him: “Because you were so diligent in that piece of your health, it was to your advantage. We were able to catch it so early because you were being tested," per USA Today.
After a routine blood test revealed elevated PSA levels, Pickens visited a urologist and underwent a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of a tumor.
He was given two treatment options: radiation or radical prostatectomy. He opted for the robotic surgical procedure.
“We caught it really early, and so they thought that would be the best route to take,” he said. “I do have a rare variant that you don’t see very often."
He added: "They wanted to err on the side of caution and keep an eye on it. 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.”
James urged men to get screened for prostate cancer regularly. Credit: Jamie McCarthy / Getty
A call to action: "Early detection works"
In the PSA, Pickens directly addresses the risks for Black men: “One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. 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.
“Today, I'm living proof that early detection works,” he added. “If you're Black, or if prostate cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about getting screened, starting at age 40.”
He said he hopes his story will encourage more men, especially Black men, to get tested, given the community’s historical mistrust of the medical system.
“We know the history of that, and how far that goes back in terms of our trepidation about being tested, and getting something as simple as a physical,” Pickens said.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, one in six Black men will develop prostate cancer, and they are more than twice as likely to die from it. Experts point to contributing factors, from healthcare access and economic barriers to institutional mistrust and communication gaps.
Pickens has since partnered with Black Health Matters to continue spreading awareness.
Grey’s Anatomy will return on January 8, 2026, with new episodes airing weekly on ABC.