Grey’s Anatomy veteran reflects on two decades Pickens as Dr. Webber
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James Pickens Jr. can’t believe his luck sometimes. After two decades playing Dr. Richard Webber on ABC’s mega-hit Grey’s Anatomy, the 70-year-old actor still gets a kick out of showing up to work.
Chatting with PEOPLE at Disney’s 2025 Upfront presentation, Pickens shared how surreal it feels to be part of television history as the show celebrates its milestone anniversary.
“Blessed Beyond Words”
The veteran actor gets misty-eyed when reflecting on his 21-season journey.
“I feel incredibly blessed and humbled,” he confesses with genuine warmth in his voice.
Most actors never experience this kind of career stability, and Pickens knows it.
He treasures coming to a job he genuinely enjoys day after day, something rare in Hollywood’s typically fickle environment.
Doctor Without a License
Though he’s performed countless fake surgeries in his scrubs, Pickens laughs that he’s nowhere near qualified for real medical work.
Still, playing Dr. Webber has given him massive respect for healthcare professionals.
“I make no bones about what they do,” he says with a hint of admiration.
The actor remains grateful that viewers have connected with his portrayal for so long.
What’s Next for Webber?
When asked about upcoming storylines, Pickens keeps things mysterious with a playful smile.
“I think there’s some interesting stuff ahead,” he teases, hoping fans will continue enjoying whatever the writers cook up.
His enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed after all these years, suggesting the character still has places to go despite his lengthy tenure at Grey Sloan Memorial.
Money Talks
Pickens wholeheartedly agrees with costar Ellen Pompeo’s frank assessment about sticking with the show.
When Pompeo noted the show’s billion-plus streams in 2024 and the financial logic of staying connected, Pickens couldn’t help but laugh.
“That’s a very good quote,” he says, acknowledging the business reality behind their long-running roles.
The Grey’s Family
Back in 2018, Pickens opened up about the emotional bonds formed on set.
Saying goodbye to castmates feels like losing family members, not just colleagues.
“When you spend nine or ten seasons with someone, that’s more than a costar,” he reflected.
The show has witnessed marriages, births, and countless life milestones among its cast and crew.
Knowing When to Bow Out
Despite his love for the show, Pickens has always been pragmatic about its eventual end.
“If it’s time, it’s time,” he once said, expressing hope that Grey’s would conclude organically when the moment felt right.
For now, with Season 22 already confirmed after this year’s dramatic hostage-situation finale, television’s longest-running medical drama shows no signs of flatlining.