| James Pickens Jr., is well known to viewers for his
recurring roles on numerous television series, including The X-Files, NYPD Blue,
Philly, The Practice and Six Feet Under. Most recently he starred opposite Rob
Lowe in the ensemble drama The Lyon's Den. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Pickens
got his start in the New York theatre community. He starred as Walter Lee in the
25th anniversary production of A Raisin in the Sun at the Roundabout Theatre.
He was a member of the famed Circle Rep/Steppenwolf Theatre Company co-production
of Balm and Gilead. In 1981 he performed with the historic Negro Ensemble Company
in a production of A Soldier's Play with Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson.
In 1990 Pickens moved to the West Coast. His first big break was a guest
spot on Roseanne, which lead to a recurring role. Next was a recurring role on
Beverly Hills, 90210. Dozens of television roles soon followed, including a co-starring
role in the TNT film, A Slight Case of Murder, which starred Adam Arkin and James
Cromwell and was written by William. H. Macy. On the big screen, Pickens
has been directed by some of the film industry's finest. His feature film credits
include Steven Soderbergh's Traffic, Oliver Stone's Nixon and Warren Beatty's
Bulworth. He's had roles in four Barry Levinson films -- Liberty Heights, Sphere,
Sleepers and Jimmy Hollywood. He portrayed slain civil rights leader Medgar
Evans in the acclaimed Rob Reiner-directed film, Ghosts of Mississippi. He also
played Angela Bassett's ex-husband, Walter, in How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Other credits include the Hughes Brothers-directed film, Dead Presidents, and
Gridlock'd, which was directed by Vondie Curtis-Hall and starred Tupac Shakur.
In his spare time Pickens can be found riding horseback and roping cattle.
He is a member of the United States Team Roping Championship and competes in roping
events across the country. He owns an American Quarterhorse named Smokey. Pickens
and his wife, Gina, live in the San Fernando Valley. They have a son and a daughter.
- description by ABC.com | 
