James Pickens Jr. Biography

Fast Facts

• He is the founder of the James Pickens Jr․ Foundation, which focuses on the sport of rodeo to benefit communities
• His role on "Grey's Anatomy" has earned him two NAACP Image Awards
• Received a University's Distinguished Alumnus Award from the college he graduated from
• Earned a bachelors degree in fine arts from Bowling Green State University in 1976
• Began performing in the oldest African-American theater in the United States, Cleveland's Karamu House
• Quote: "I never intended on being an actor, it was the furthest thing from my mind․ I have a degree in art, I was an artist originally․ I didn't know what I really wanted to do with that, I didn't want to change․"
• Quote: "(When asked about his passion for roping) "It's a great escape from the craziness of Hollywood․ It's a nice therapy for me․ Even when I don't rope, just getting my horse outside is a great way to collect myself and be out in nature․""
• Is a member of the United States Team Roping Championships