‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star James Pickens Jr. Says He’s Cancer-Free

The actor encouraged viewers to get tested for prostate cancer in a Nov. 13 public service announcement.

James Pickens attends the People's Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif., on Feb. 18, 2024. Monica Schipper/Getty Images

“Grey’s Anatomy” star James Pickens Jr., who has played Dr. Richard Webber on the hit ABC medical drama since its premiere in 2005, says he is cancer-free after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in January.

“Hi Friends, I’m blessed and grateful to be cancer-free,” he wrote in a Nov. 15 Instagram post. “Thanks so much for all the love and support! Get checked!”

The actor’s own health battle mirrors that of his character, who revealed on Nov. 13, in the midseason finale of season 22, that he had cancer.

In a public service announcement that aired after the episode, Pickens Jr., 73, encouraged viewers to get tested for the disease.

“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,” the actor said.

“Today, I’m living proof that early detection works. If you’re Black, or if prostate cancer runs in your family, talk to your doctor about getting screened, starting at age 40.”

According to the American Cancer Society, men over the age of 50 are at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, which is most commonly diagnosed in those 65 and older.

Symptoms of the disease, which is typically slow-growing, can vary from person to person, but may include bloody urine or semen as well as frequent urination, the Mayo Clinic reports. Although some cases are hereditary, the vast majority of diagnoses occur in men who have no family history of cancer.

Pickens Jr. recently told the organization Black Health Matters that the disease does run in his 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,” he explained.

“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.”

Due to his family history, Pickens Jr. said he began getting tested for prostate cancer around age 40.

After the tumor was discovered earlier this year, the actor subsequently underwent a radical prostatectomy, which is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and some of the tissue around it.

“My urologist said: ‘Because you were so diligent in that piece of your health, it was to your advantage,’” he recalled. “‘We were able to catch it so early because you were being tested.’”

Pickens Jr. is also known for his recurring roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The Practice,” “The X-Files,” and “Roseanne.”

Season 22 of “Grey’s Anatomy” is scheduled to resume on Jan. 8.