Richard Webber, M.D. is a fictional character from the ABC medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy. The character was created by Shonda Rhimes and is portrayed by actor James Pickens Jr. since the show's inception in 2005. At the beginning of the show, he is the Chief of Surgery at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital for 12 years. In the season 6, he is obligated to resign from his post and is replaced briefly by Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). Webber take back his post in the season 7 but must resign definitely in season 8, in order to protect Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo). He goes back to his post of Surgeon in General Surgery, although all the staff still call him "Chief" due to his history. Later, Richard accepts to become the head of the residency program mentoring the residents. In season 17 Richard was appointed Chief of Chiefs of the Catherine Fox foundation.

He is an alcohol addict and this storyline is exploited in many episodes through the year…Read more on Wikipedia