James Pickens Jr. reveals prostate cancer diagnosis and says it was caught “really early,” a real-life turn that mirrors his Grey’s Anatomy character, Dr. Richard Webber. In the fall finale (Nov. 13, 2025), Richard told Dr. Miranda Bailey (played by Chandra Wilson) that he had received a cancer diagnosis; two days later, on Nov. 15, 2025, Pickens shared his own news publicly.
Speaking in a recent interview with Black Health Matters, the 71-year-old said, “It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my 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 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.”
Pickens explained that he “started getting my annual physical 34 years ago,” and that diligence helped doctors spot changes early. He said his tumor was found after a biopsy, and he credited routine PSA testing and follow-ups with catching the cancer at an early stage.
How early screening shaped his outcome
(Disney/Anne Marie Fox)
CHANDRA WILSON, JAMES PICKENS JR.
Pickens has portrayed Dr. Richard Webber since the show’s 2005 debut. He said his urologist 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.” He urged other men—especially those with a family history—to stay on top of annual checkups and talk with a doctor about PSA screening.
Context for Grey Sloan fans
In Season 22’s midseason finale on Nov. 13, 2025, Richard revealed his own cancer diagnosis to Bailey. Viewers will have to wait for January to see how the Grey’s Anatomy storyline develops, but Pickens struck an optimistic tone about his personal prognosis thanks to early detection.
Analysis
The parallels between Pickens’ off-screen diagnosis and Richard Webber’s on-screen news are likely to sharpen the show’s ongoing focus on prevention. The emphasis on regular physicals and PSA testing aligns with current awareness efforts targeting men over 40 and those with a family history.
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