James Pickens Jr ., who’s best known for playing Dr. Richard Webber in Grey’s Anatomy , shocked fans upon revealing his cancer diagnosis . What made the news even more unsettling was that his on-screen character’s cancer battle was revealed in the season 22 midseason finale. As fans grapple with the revelation, many are wondering whether or not James is leaving the show.

The actor spoke with BlackHealthMatters.com in November 2025 to discuss his illness.

“It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family,” James pointed out. “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. I’ve got a 90-year-old first cousin, who’s still alive, actually; he had it. Hi

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