Ernie Hudson: A Celebrated Career And Fascinating Life

What's Up with Ernie Hudson's Net Worth?

Listen up, folks. Ernie Hudson, the legendary actor behind some of Hollywood's most iconic roles, has amassed a net worth of $5 million. Now, that’s no small potatoes. Ernie has been lighting up screens for over four decades, and his talent has truly shone through. You probably recognize him best as Winston Zeddemore from the "Ghostbusters" franchise or Warden Leo Glynn from HBO's gritty drama "Oz." But let me tell you, his resume doesn’t stop there. He’s also graced the big screen in films like "The Crow," "The Basketball Diaries," and "Miss Congeniality." Interestingly, Ernie wasn’t the first choice for Winston Zeddemore in "Ghostbusters"—that honor went to Eddie Murphy, who ultimately passed. And here's a fun twist: after the massive success of "Ghostbusters," Ernie had to audition for the animated series version of the character. Guess what? Arsenio Hall snagged the part instead. Oof, that's gotta sting.

Ernie's Dream Home: Real Estate Splendor

Here’s where things get real personal. In August 2016, Ernie and his wife Linda purchased a stunning 4,800-square-foot home nestled on 1.3 acres in the posh neighborhood of Hidden Hills, California. They paid a cool $3.275 million for it. If we’re talking real estate, that property has likely appreciated in value, meaning it could now be worth over $5 million. Not bad for a guy who started out in Benton Harbor, Michigan, huh?

The Early Years: A Rocky Start

Let’s rewind the clock. Ernie Hudson, born Earnest Lee Hudson, came into this world on October 17, 1945, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Tragically, his mother passed away from tuberculosis when he was just two months old. His father wasn’t present in his life, so Ernie was raised by his maternal grandmother. Talk about resilience right out of the gate. After high school, Ernie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, but his stint was short-lived due to asthma. He was discharged after just three months.

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But Ernie didn’t let that setback define him. He moved to Detroit, where he became a resident playwright at Concept East, the oldest black theater company in the U.S. He even enrolled at Wayne State University, where he studied writing and drama. By 1973, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. During his time there, he founded the Actors' Ensemble Theatre, a club for black screenwriters and actors. That’s where his passion for storytelling truly began to take shape.

Breaking Into the Biz: Early Career Highlights

While studying at Yale, Ernie was asked to join Loni Elder III’s musical "Daddy Goodness." That’s where he crossed paths with the legendary Gordon Parks, who helped him land a role in his first feature film, "Leadbelly," released in 1976. But after that role, Ernie found himself back in Minnesota, working on a doctoral program in theater. He didn’t finish it, though. Instead, he landed a role in the Minneapolis Theatre In The Round’s production of "The Great White Hope." His performance there caught the attention of casting directors, and slowly but surely, the roles started rolling in.

From 1978 to 1979, Ernie guest-starred on nine TV shows and landed a recurring role on "Highcliffe Manor." By the early '80s, he was picking up more guest star roles and parts in TV movies. His big break came in 1984 when he played Winston Zeddemore in "Ghostbusters." You know that character? The one who says, "This ain't no disco!"? That’s Ernie. He took a pay cut to play the role because he believed in the script and the character so much.

Over the years, Ernie’s career blossomed. He voiced characters in animated series like "The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians" and had recurring roles in dramas like "The Last Precinct." His filmography expanded with movies like "Leviathan," "Trapper County War," and "Ghostbusters II." By the early '90s, he was a household name, starring in psychological thrillers like "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" and TV miniseries like "Wild Palms." And who could forget his unforgettable role as Warden Leo Glynn in HBO’s "Oz"? That role ran from 1997 to 2003 and cemented his status as a versatile actor.

The New Millennium: Ernie’s Continued Success

Fast forward to the 2000s, and Ernie was still going strong. He reprised his role in "Miss Congeniality" alongside Sandra Bullock and even starred in the sequel. He popped up on hit TV shows like "10-8: Officers on Duty," "Desperate Housewives," and "E.R." In 2008, he joined the cast of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," where he played a recurring role until 2013. He wasn’t just sticking to TV, though—he was also making appearances in feature films and television movies.

The 2010s brought even more opportunities. He guest-starred on shows like "Modern Family," "Grace and Frankie," and "L.A.'s Finest." He even lent his voice to the animated series "Transformers Prime." And let’s not forget his cameo in the 2016 "Ghostbusters" reboot, where he reprised his role as Winston Zeddemore. Ernie’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, spanning decades and genres.

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Behind the Scenes: Ernie’s Personal Life

Now, let’s talk about Ernie’s personal life. He first married Jeannie Moore in 1963 when they were both teenagers. They had two sons together but divorced in 1976. In 1985, he married Linda Kingsberg, a former flight attendant, and they’ve been together ever since. They have two sons together as well. Ernie has openly spoken about his Christian faith, which plays a significant role in his life. It’s clear that family and faith are pillars in his journey.