James Pickens Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Pickens Jr.
|
|
|---|---|
Pickens interviewed by RealTVFilms in 2016
|
|
| Born | October 26, 1954 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Gina Taylor
(m. 1984) |
| Children | 2 |
James Pickens Jr. (born October 26, 1954) is a well-known American actor. He is famous for playing Dr. Richard Webber on the TV show Grey's Anatomy. He also had important roles as Deputy Director Alvin Kersh in The X-Files. You might also know him as Chuck Mitchell from Roseanne and The Conners.
Early Life and Education
James Pickens Jr. was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He started acting when he was a student at Bowling Green State University. His very first acting role was in a play called Matters of Choice. He earned his degree in Fine Arts from the university in 1976.
Acting Career
Pickens began his acting career on stage in New York City. He performed in a play called A Raisin in the Sun. In 1981, he acted alongside famous actors like Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson in A Soldier's Play.
In 1986, James Pickens Jr. started his TV career. He played Zack Edwards on the show Another World. Later, he had many recurring roles on popular TV series. These included The X-Files, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The West Wing. He also appeared in Roseanne, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Six Feet Under.
In 1997, Pickens played Ben Stevens, the head of NASA, in the Disney comedy RocketMan. He also had a small part in the 2002 movie Red Dragon.
A big moment in his career came in 2005. He was chosen to play Dr. Richard Webber on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. This role made him very well-known.
In 2007, Pickens took part in a special event. He performed in a benefit reading called "The Gift of Peace." He acted alongside other stars to support a movement for peace. In 2018, he returned to his role as Chuckie Mitchell in the new episodes of Roseanne. The next year, in 2019, he was honored by the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum.
Personal Life
James Pickens Jr. married Gina Taylor on May 27, 1984. They have two children together. When he is not acting, Pickens loves horseback riding. He also enjoys roping cattle. He is part of the United States Team Roping Championship. He even competes in roping events across the country. He owns a horse named Smokey.
His two children, Carl and Gavyn Pickens, are also working in entertainment. Carl is pursuing a career in Hip-Hop. He has also appeared on TV shows like Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. James Pickens Sr., his father, worked for the City of Cleveland.
Notable Roles
James Pickens Jr. has appeared in many films and television shows. Here are some of his most recognized roles:
- Films: F/X (1986), Trespass (1992), Menace II Society (1993), Dead Presidents (1995), Nixon (1995), Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), RocketMan (1997), Traffic (2000), Red Dragon (2002), and 42 (2013).
- Television: Another World (1986–1990), Roseanne (1990–1996; 2018), Beverly Hills, 90210 (1991–1992), The X-Files (1998–2002; 2018), JAG (1999), Six Feet Under (2002–2003), Curb Your Enthusiasm (2005), Grey's Anatomy (2005–present), Private Practice (2007–2009), The Conners (2018–2022), and Station 19 (2020–2024).
See also
In Spanish: James Pickens Jr. para niños
