This winter, James Pickens Jr. is expected to return to the set to begin filming the 20th season of Grey’s Anatomy, which plans a spring premiere. James, who has played Dr. Richard “Chief” Webber since 2005, Ellen Pompeo and Chandra Wilson are the last original cast members of the long-running medical drama. “It’s been a heck of a ride,” James, 69, tells Closer. “We’ve had a good time.”
Beyond his career on television, where he also brought memorable characters to life on The X-Files and Roseanne, and theater, his first love, James is a celebrity ambassador for prostate cancer awareness. When he’s not on a set or stage, he can be found horseback riding and roping cattle. “It’s been a great escape for me,” he confides of the ranching life. “I go out and I just ride the trail. It’s fun.”
Did you always want to be an actor?
No. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the oldest of three kids. My father worked in the steel mill for over 20 years. I had aspirations to be an artist and an illustrator, but then I went off to college and that’s when I got the acting bug. I found myself in New York City in the late ’70s where I plied my trade as an actor, mostly in off-Broadway theater. By 1990, I made my way to Los Angeles, and I can’t believe I’ve been here that long now.
Was your family supportive of your dreams?
They were supportive, but most of that generation didn’t quite get it. To them, it was about an eight-hour workday. Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll and Harry Belafonte were their frames of reference, but the whole idea of acting as a career was pretty foreign to them.
Denne historien er fra December 11, 2023-utgaven av Closer US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 11, 2023-utgaven av Closer US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
TIPS FOR FIRMER SKIN
SMOOTHING OUT FACIAL FEATURES DOESN'T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT
Simple & Delicious DINNER DELIGHT
Fast, effortless and flavor-packed, these suppers are perfect for nights when you don't feel like cooking
PRINCESS KATE Holiday Spirit
For Princess Kate, hosting the annual Together at Christmas carol service at London's Westminster Abbey was truly a gift.
What I Learned From TOM SELLECK
THE ACTRESS SHARES FAVORITE MEMORIES OF HER YEARS ON THE BELOVED POLICE DRAMA SERIES
DICK VAN DYKE CELEBRATES TURNING 99 IN SONG
Legendary performer Dick Van Dyke rang in his 99th birthday doing what he loves best-singing, dancing and entertaining in a new Coldplay music video for \"All My Love.\"
DIANE LANE MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
FROM THE start, Diane Colleen Lane lived a tumultuous life. The daughter of an acting coach and a Playboy centerfold who split when she was 13 days old, Diane started acting onstage at 6.
The Man Who Kept FRANK SINATRA'S SECRETS
PUBLICIST JIM MAHONEY HELPED GOLDEN AGE CELEBRITIES SHINE IN A BRIGHTER LIGHT
HUGH JACKMAN & SUTTON FOSTER What's Next?
THE FORMER BROADWAY CO-STARS ARE VERY SERIOUS ABOUT EACH OTHER, BUT NOT READY FOR A BIGGER COMMITMENT
FAMOUS FAREWELLS 2024
CLOSER PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC STARS WHO HELPED SHAPE OUR WORLD
LYNN WHITFIELD:Follow YOUR DREAMS
The Chi's star talks about her new film and shares thoughts on her life and long career
