Author

James Pickens Jr. is an American actor. He is best known for his starring role as Dr. Richard Webber in the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) and for his supporting role as Assistant Director Alvin Kersh in later seasons of the Fox Network science fiction series The X-Files, as well as Chuck Mitchell in Roseanne (1990-1996; 2018) and The Conners (2018-Present). Pickens was born on October 26, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. He began acting while a student at Bowling Green State University. His first acting role was in a campus production of Matters of Choice by Charles Gordone. In 1976, Pickens earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from BGSU. Pickens began his professional acting career at the Roundabout Theatre in New York City, playing Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun. In 1981, Pickens starred in the Negro Ensemble Company’s production of A Soldier’s Play alongside Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. In 1986, Pickens moved to the West Coast and began his Hollywood career playing Zack Edwards on the soap opera Another World from 1986 to 1990, after which he had recurring roles on The X-Files as Deputy Director Kersh, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The West Wing, Roseanne, Beverly Hills, 90210, JAG and Six Feet Under. He also had a role in the film on Jackie Robinson, 42. In 1997, Pickens played the role of Stevens, the head of NASA, in the Disney comedy Rocket Man. In 2002, Pickens made a cameo appearance as a male zoo doctor in the film Red Dragon. Three years later, in 2005, he was signed to play Dr Richard Webber in the long running medical series Grey’s Anatomy. In the all-star benefit reading of The Gift of Peace on February 28, 2007 at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse, Pickens plays a man whose life experiences lead him to volunteer in the peace movement. He stars alongside actors Ed Asner, Barbara Bain, Amy Brenneman, George Coe, and Wendie Malick. The play is an open appeal and fundraiser for the passage of U.S. House Resolution 808, which seeks to establish a cabinet-level “Department of Peace” in the U.S. government, to be funded by a two percent diversion of the Pentagon’s annual budget. In 2018, Pickens reprised his role as Chuckie Mitchell in two episodes of the tenth season of Roseanne. Pickens married Gina Taylor, a former member of disco group Musique, on May 27, 1984. The couple have two children. In his spare time, Pickens enjoys horseback riding and driving cattle. He is a member of the United States Team Roping Championship and competes in roping events around the country. He owns an American Quarter Horse named Smokey. Pickens’ two children, Carl Pickens, and Gavyn Pickens, both aspire to show business careers. His son Carl is working on a hip-hop career and has appeared on several television shows, including Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, where he worked alongside his longtime friend, Omar Gooding.

James Pickens Jr.

"The Passions of Our Culture's foreword is written by James Pickens Jr. who has entertained millions both on stage and on television in the award-winning television series “Grey’s Anatomy.”"

James Pickens Jr. is an American actor. He is best known for his starring role as Dr. Richard Webber in the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) and for his supporting role as Assistant Director Alvin Kersh in later seasons of the Fox Network science fiction series The X-Files, as well as Chuck Mitchell in Roseanne (1990-1996; 2018) and The Conners (2018-Present).

Pickens was born on October 26, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. He began acting while a student at Bowling Green State University. His first acting role was in a campus production of Matters of Choice by Charles Gordone. In 1976, Pickens earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from BGSU.

Pickens began his professional acting career at the Roundabout Theatre in New York City, playing Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun. In 1981, Pickens starred in the Negro Ensemble Company’s production of A Soldier’s Play alongside Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson.

In 1986, Pickens moved to the West Coast and began his Hollywood career playing Zack Edwards on the soap opera Another World from 1986 to 1990, after which he had recurring roles on The X-Files as Deputy Director Kersh, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The West Wing, Roseanne, Beverly Hills, 90210, JAG and Six Feet Under. He also had a role in the film on Jackie Robinson, 42. In 1997, Pickens played the role of Stevens, the head of NASA, in the Disney comedy Rocket Man.

In 2002, Pickens made a cameo appearance as a male zoo doctor in the film Red Dragon. Three years later, in 2005, he was signed to play Dr Richard Webber in the long running medical series Grey’s Anatomy.

In the all-star benefit reading of The Gift of Peace on February 28, 2007 at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse, Pickens plays a man whose life experiences lead him to volunteer in the peace movement. He stars alongside actors Ed Asner, Barbara Bain, Amy Brenneman, George Coe, and Wendie Malick. The play is an open appeal and fundraiser for the passage of U.S. House Resolution 808, which seeks to establish a cabinet-level “Department of Peace” in the U.S. government, to be funded by a two percent diversion of the Pentagon’s annual budget. In 2018, Pickens reprised his role as Chuckie Mitchell in two episodes of the tenth season of Roseanne.

Pickens married Gina Taylor, a former member of disco group Musique, on May 27, 1984. The couple have two children. In his spare time, Pickens enjoys horseback riding and driving cattle. He is a member of the United States Team Roping Championship and competes in roping events around the country. He owns an American Quarter Horse named Smokey.

Pickens’ two children, Carl Pickens, and Gavyn Pickens, both aspire to show business careers. His son Carl is working on a hip-hop career and has appeared on several television shows, including Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, where he worked alongside his longtime friend, Omar Gooding.

Author's books

BLACK
Add to wishlist

The Passion of Our Culture: Curated by Prosperity Publications

PP Books

“The Passion of Our Culture” is an anthology conceived of love, respect, and appreciation for black culture. Prosperity Publications has compiled an anthology containing fiction and non-fiction stories by a wide range of authors, including NBA legend George Gervin and the late President of 100 Black Men Thomas Dortch as well as other notables.

The anthology offers a distinct perspective from each author presented in this literary work, which offers a glimpse at both fiction and non-fiction works. We have found ourselves asking, “Are we better off today than we were before?” as we navigate the 21st century. “Are all the sacrifices made in the last century for naught?”

The foreword is written by James Pickens Jr., who has entertained millions both on stage and television in the award-winning series “Grey’s Anatomy.”

It was written in honor of our ancestors, who were our civil rights heroes. This anthology showcases fiction as well as nonfiction to illustrate the uniqueness that exists among us. As we find ourselves on the cusp of the erasure and rewriting of our culture in contemporary times, this anthology is not only a celebration of the beauty of our culture but also a link to our history.

Several trailblazers and heroes of the civil rights movement are presented in the anthology, many of whom often defied death to demand and espouse change. “Write the vision and make it plain,” as the book of Habakkuk states. This book seeks to entertain, educate, and enlighten all of us as we journey together to embrace the passion of our culture.”


Anthology participants:

Foreword by James Picket, Jr. of Grey’s Anatomy
Thomas Dortch, President of the 100 black men of America
Nevil Shed, Former NBA Player
Michael Booker, NFL Player
Toschia Moffett
Dr. Loren D. Alves
Earl Blanche, Jr.
George Gervin
Rhonda Lawson
Chef Jerome Brown
Norma Bradford
Lamont Lowery
Chef Jerome Brown
Jeffrey Gunter
Claude Williams
George Miller
Frederick Williams
JW Sanders
Margaret Richardson
David Floyd
Sephira Shuttlesworth
Cary Clack

Add to wishlist