“Grey’s Anatomy” star James Pickens Jr. is opening up about a life-changing moment. The longtime ShondaLand favorite, known to millions as Dr. Richard Webber, shared an update a day after he publicly disclosed cancer.
Pickens Jr. Shares A Positive Update With GA Fans
The beloved star revealed that he is officially cancer-free after being diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.“Hi Friends, I’m blessed and grateful to be cancer-free,” Pickens wrote in a November 15 Instagram post. “Thanks so much for all the love and support! Get checked!”
His update comes only weeks after he first spoke about his diagnosis in an interview with Black Health Matters, where he revealed how deeply prostate cancer has affected his family.
He Says Prostate Cancer Has Long Affected His Family
DisneyPickens explained that prostate cancer is something his family has faced for generations. “It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family,” he said. “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 that many relatives have lived long lives after their diagnoses. “I’ve got a 90-year-old first cousin, who’s still alive, actually, and he had it. His son has it, and a couple of his brothers had it. No one, as far as I know, has succumbed to it.”
Pickens said his early screening routine played an important role in catching the cancer quickly.
Early Testing Helped Doctors Detect His Cancer in Time
DisneyPickens told Black Health Matters that he began getting annual physicals more than three decades ago. “I started getting my annual physical 34 years ago, and I started my PSA testing when I was 41. I’m 73 now,” he said.
His care team credited him for staying proactive. “My urologist said, ‘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.”
Pickens also revealed that he underwent a prostatectomy after receiving his diagnosis in January. “We caught it really early, and so they thought that would be the best route to take,” he said.
His Real-Life Diagnosis Mirrored Dr. Webber’s Storyline
Pickens’ own health journey echoed a major moment for his “Grey’s Anatomy” character. In the season 22 fall finale, Dr. Webber opened up to Dr. Miranda Bailey and revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer.
DisneyNow, Pickens is using his platform to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize screening. He has partnered with Black Health Matters to help educate fans and communities about prevention and early diagnosis.
Pickens’ update has been met with an outpouring of support from longtime viewers who have followed both his real-life journey and Dr. Webber’s emotional storyline.
