Ernie Hudson Reflects on the Ongoing Demands of His 60-Year Acting Career

Ernie Hudson Explains Why He Constantly Has to Work Job to Job After 60 Years of Acting

Ernie Hudson Karwai Tang/WireImage

Ernie Hudson, best known for his role in Ghostbusters, has been steadily working in the entertainment industry for the past five decades. Despite his consistent work, he has faced some challenges in his career.

In a recent interview with The Independent on Sunday, March 24, the 78-year-old actor shared, "Not many people noticed that I was in three films last year. But to me, it's just a job. It doesn't make me special or give me any special status. I may not have achieved the same level of success as some of my friends who are recognized everywhere they go or have made a fortune that they can't even count. I'm just a regular working guy."

Hudson's decision to pursue an acting career came after he was unable to join the Marine Corps because of his asthma. At that time, he was already a single father. He shares two children with his ex-wife Jeannie Moore and two children with his wife Linda Kingsberg.

He expressed that being a single father has always been a big responsibility for him, pushing him to secure a job in acting. Whether it's a dramatic role or a funny one, his goal is to evoke emotions from the audience - making them laugh or cry.

Hudson's acting career began in 1976 with a role in the film Leadbelly. He also appeared in various TV shows such as One Day At a Time and Roots: The Next Generations. However, it was his role in the 1984 film Ghostbusters as Winston Zeddemore that truly made him a household name.

Interestingly, Hudson was not the first choice for the role of Winston Zeddemore. Eddie Murphy was initially offered the part but declined. When the opportunity came to Hudson, he gladly accepted and starred alongside Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis in the iconic film.

Ernie Hudson Explains Why He Constantly Has to Work Job to Job After 60 Years of Acting

Ernie Hudson Cara Robbins/Getty Images for Family Film and TV Awards

Hudson mentioned in a 2020 interview with Howard Stern that he felt he was not paid as much as his costars. However, he later mentioned to The Independent that he believes Eddie Murphy, who is 62 years old, would have been paid better if he had accepted the movie role instead.

According to Hudson, "I think if Eddie Murphy had played the role I did, he would have been paid a good amount. Studios prioritize making profits and pay accordingly."

Murray, who is 73 years old, fought for Hudson to receive fair pay and the screen time he deserved when they reunited for the first Ghostbusters sequel. Hudson shared that Murray insisted on his involvement, stating, "He said he wouldn’t do another one unless I was involved. That doesn’t happen very much in this industry."

Hudson has openly shared his experiences with the Ghostbusters franchise. Despite this, he fondly recalls the first movie as one of his more enjoyable projects. He has also appeared in the first sequel, Ghostbusters II, made a cameo in the 2016 gender-swapped Ghostbusters reboot, and had significant roles in both 2019’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the recent Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Reflecting on his long career, Hudson expressed, “It’s been 40 years. Over half of my life has been connected to Ghostbusters in some way or another.” With almost 60 years of acting experience, he admits that there are some films he hopes will never be remade.

Hudson has an extensive list of projects under his belt, starting from the OG Ghostbusters and accumulating over 250 screen credits. He has appeared in a variety of movies such as Leviathan, The Crow, and Miss Congeniality. Not only limited to the big screen, Hudson has also showcased his talent in TV series like HBO's Oz, The Family Business, and L.A.'s Finest. Additionally, he has made memorable appearances on beloved series like Law & Order, Modern Family, and Grace and Frankie. Currently, he can be seen in the Quantum Leap reboot.

Editor's P/S:

Ernie Hudson's journey as an actor is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Despite facing challenges, including not achieving the same level of recognition as some of his peers, he has maintained a consistent work ethic for over five decades. His commitment to his craft is evident in his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from the iconic Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters to dramatic roles in films like Leviathan.

Hudson's experiences in the entertainment industry also shed light on the complexities of pay equity. While he acknowledges that Eddie Murphy would likely have been compensated more for the role of Winston Zeddemore, he emphasizes the importance of equal treatment for all actors. Bill Murray's insistence on Hudson's involvement in the Ghostbusters sequels is a testament to the power of camaraderie and the recognition of talent. Hudson's legacy as an actor is not only defined by his numerous credits but also by his unwavering determination to make his mark in the industry. equal pay compared to his white counterparts. Hudson's candidness about these experiences sheds light on the systemic inequalities that persist within the entertainment industry and the need for greater representation and diversity. His unwavering determination serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and reminds us of the importance of perseverance in pursuing one's dreams.