James Pickens Jr. was born on October 26, 1954, in the city of Cleveland, located in the state of Ohio. During his time at Bowling Green State University, he began to nurture his passion for acting, which would eventually become a crucial aspect of his life. Upon graduating from BGSU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1976, Pickens embarked on a journey to hone his craft on the stage, specifically at the renowned Roundabout Theatre in New York City.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pickens has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the most talented actors of his time, including the legendary Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson in the Negro Ensemble Company's production of "A Soldier's Play". This marked a significant milestone in his career, as it showcased his ability to work alongside esteemed colleagues.
After spending ten years developing his craft, Pickens made his screen debut as an ambulance driver in the 1986 film F/X. This was followed by a recurring role on the soap opera Another World, which he played from 1986 to 1990. In addition to his work on the small screen, Pickens also made notable appearances on the popular television shows Beverly Hills, 90210 and Roseanne, solidifying his status as a talented and versatile actor.
Throughout the 1990s, Pickens continued to work extensively in television, taking on a wide range of roles that showcased his incredible range. His most iconic and enduring role to date is undoubtedly that of Dr. Richard Webber on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy, which he first portrayed in 2005. This character has become synonymous with Pickens, and he has reprised the role on the spin-off series Private Practice.
In addition to his work in television, Pickens has also appeared in films such as 42, which starred Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman. When not on set, Pickens is an avid horse enthusiast, and he spends much of his free time indulging in horseback riding and roping cattle. As a competitive roper, he is a member of the United States Championship Roping team and travels across the country to participate in various events.
Pickens is married to Gina Pickens (née Taylor) and is the proud father of two sons, Carl and Gavyn, who are both involved in the entertainment industry.
