James Pickens Jr. Declares Victory Over Prostate Cancer
UPDATE 11/16/25 at 2:58 p.m. EDT — Esteemed actor James Pickens Jr. has announced his full recovery from prostate cancer, now confirming he is in remission.
“To my friends, I feel incredibly fortunate and thankful to be free of cancer,” Pickens shared through his Instagram account on Saturday, November 16. “My deepest gratitude for your immense love and encouragement! Please prioritize your screenings!”
The initial report is detailed below:
James Pickens Jr. received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, remarkably mirroring a health challenge faced by his character on Grey’s Anatomy.
“While this is news no one wishes to receive, frankly, prostate cancer has a significant presence in my family history,” the 73-year-old Pickens recently confided to Black Health Matters. “My father battled it, as did several of his siblings. It would have been more unexpected if I hadn't developed it myself.”
He further commented, “I have a first cousin, currently 90 years old and still with us, who experienced it. His son also has it, and a few of his brothers did as well. To my knowledge, none have passed away from the condition.”
For all 22 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, Pickens has portrayed Dr. Richard Webber. In the concluding moments of the Thursday, November 13, episode, Richard, who had recently resumed his position as chief of surgery, disclosed his diagnosis with an unspecified form of cancer. (Notably, Richard’s wife, Catherine Fox, portrayed by Debbie Allen, is also managing a cancer diagnosis.)
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Regarding Pickens personally, his diagnosis came earlier in the current year.
“I began undergoing annual physical examinations 34 years ago, and initiated my PSA testing at the age of 41. I am now 73,” he recounted to the publication. “My urologist commented, ‘Your diligence in this aspect of your health proved highly beneficial. We were able to detect it at such an early stage precisely because you consistently underwent testing.’”
In January, Pickens discovered a tumor on his prostate, which fortunately had not metastasized. He then chose to proceed with a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the prostate gland.
“Its early detection led them to believe this was the optimal course of action,” Pickens elaborated. “I possess a rare variant that is uncommonly observed. They preferred to exercise extreme prudence and monitor it closely. Its unusual nature prompted them to ensure every detail was meticulously handled, particularly as they hadn't encountered such an early detection.”
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Prior to receiving his diagnosis, Pickens consistently maintained a rigorous screening schedule to monitor for any potential indicators of cancer.
“My father battled prostate cancer. While it wasn't fatal for him, he experienced it. I believe two of his brothers also faced the same condition,” the actor exclusively revealed to Us Weekly in September 2024. “Given this history, I felt it was my responsibility to be thorough in managing my own health. I began a proactive approach around the age of 50, commencing annual prostate examinations.”
Pickens also expressed a desire to elevate public awareness regarding prostate cancer, recognized as the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among men in the United States.
“I believed it was critically important for Black men to gain greater understanding of the role this disease plays within our community,” he conveyed to Us at that point. “Its prevalence is significantly higher within the African American demographic.”
