James Pickens Jr. Biography

Fast Facts

• Once wanted to be an illustrator or cartoonist
• Caught an early big break with a 1989 guest spot on Roseanne, which turned into a recurring role
• Appeared in four films directed by Barry Levinson: Jimmy Hollywood (1994), Sleepers (1996), Sphere (1998) and Liberty Heights (1999)
• Liberty Heights costarred his future Grey's Anatomy cast mate Justin Chambers
• In 2006, he executive produced the musical revue Gospel! Gospel! Gospel! at Cleveland's Karamu House Theatre, where he used to perform
• Was honored by the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers during their Black Heritage Celebration in 2008
• Delivered the keynote address at the 2008 summer commencement ceremony at Bowling Green State University, his alma mater; he also received the Distinguished Alumnus Award that day
• Though he plays a recovering alcoholic on Grey's Anatomy, he does not drink; this is his way of honoring his late father, who struggled with alcoholism
• Along with his wife, has helped raised his granddaughter, Dominique
• Competes in rodeo and roping events across the country, and is a member of the U
• S
• Team Roping Championship