Since the release of Grey’s Anatomy in 2005, Richard Webber, played by James Pickens Jr., has been one of the iconic figures of the Gray Sloan Memorial. A recovering alcoholic who continues to battle his demons, he is a patient teacher to the residents and a devoted mentor to many doctors at the hospital.
His paternal relationship with Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) is one of the main elements of the medical series. During the 19 years of Grey’s Anatomy, the patriarch of the hospital had nothing left. Electrocution, widowhood, cobalt poisoning…she still managed to overcome all the hardships and today is part, along with Chandra Wilson, of the last two original cast members still on the Shonda Rhimes series.
But while Grey’s Anatomy has already been renewed for a 20th season, the presence of Dr. Weber, who already seemed to age in the first seasons, seems more and more utopian. But how old is this iconic character?
How old is Dr. Weber?
According to the character’s Wikipedia page, Richard Webber was born in 1954, which would make him 69 today (the same age as his interpreter James Pickens Jr.). But at this advanced age, neither the actor nor the character seems ready to retire.
At the end of season 18, Richard even took a test to gauge his ability to remain a surgeon. An exam he passed that allowed him to return to the operating room.
The screenwriters also don’t have to worry about the realism of Weber’s age, since according to a 2014 American Medical Association study, many American surgeons continue to practice past the age of 65.
One thing’s for sure, with Ellen Pompeo leaving for Season 19, Grey’s Anatomy production will probably have to do everything they can to make sure the iconic cast members don’t let their sails go.
Because there’s no telling if the medical series, which will blow out its twentieth candle next year, could continue if all of its original cast members decide to leave.
James Pickens Jr.’s spot is in any case guaranteed for Season 20, as the comedian, as well as Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt), Camilla Ludington (Joe Wilson), Caterina Scorsone (Amelia Shepherd) and Chandra Wilson (Bailey) are already signed up for this new series of episodes.
Season 19 of Grey’s Anatomy airs every Wednesday night from 9.10pm on TF1. Seasons 1 through 18 are available in their entirety on Disney+.
Source: Allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
