Ernie Hudson, born Earnest Lee Hudson on December 17, 1945, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, has carved out a remarkable career in Hollywood. Known for his iconic role as Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters franchise, Hudson's journey from a small town in Michigan to the bright lights of Hollywood is a testament to his talent and perseverance. This article explores Hudson's early life, his path to acting, and his notable roles that have made him a beloved
figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Hudson's early life was marked by personal challenges. He never knew his father, and his mother, Maggie Donald, passed away from tuberculosis when he was just two months old. Raised by his maternal grandmother, Arrana Donald, Hudson faced adversity from a young age. Despite these challenges, he found solace in writing and acting, which would later become his career.
After high school, Hudson joined the U.S. Marine Corps but was discharged after three months due to asthma. He then moved to Detroit, where he became the resident playwright at Concept East, the oldest black theater company in the United States. Hudson's passion for writing and acting led him to enroll at Wayne State University, where he graduated in 1973. He also established the Actors' Ensemble Theatre, where he directed and appeared in various productions.
Breakthrough in Acting
Hudson's acting career began to take shape when he left a doctoral program at the University of Minnesota to appear in a stage production of The Great White Hope. He later pursued a Master of Fine Arts in acting at Yale School of Drama but left after a year to appear in Leadbelly. These experiences laid the foundation for his future success in film and television.
One of Hudson's early film roles was in Penitentiary II (1982), and he gained fame playing Winston Zeddemore in the 1984 feature film Ghostbusters and its sequel, Ghostbusters II. Although he auditioned to reprise the role for the animated series The Real Ghostbusters, the part was given to Arsenio Hall. Hudson's portrayal of Winston Zeddemore remains one of his most recognized roles.
Television Success and Recent Work
Hudson's television career is equally impressive. He played Warden Leo Glynn on HBO's Oz, a role that showcased his versatility as an actor. He has appeared in numerous television shows, including St. Elsewhere, Desperate Housewives, and Grace and Frankie. From 2022 to 2024, Hudson appeared as Herbert "Magic" Williams on the NBC drama Quantum Leap.
In recent years, Hudson has continued to work in film and television, appearing in the 2022 drama film Prisoner's Daughter and guest voicing a character in Star Wars: The Bad Batch. His enduring presence in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
