Ernie Hudson - Actor Profile

Ernie Hudson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 17, 1945
Birth Place: Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA

About Ernie Hudson

Earnest Lee Hudson (born December 17, 1945) is an American actor. He is known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters franchise. Hudson has also acted in the films Leviathan (1989), The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992), The Crow (1994), Airheads (1994), The Basketball Diaries (1995), Congo (1995), Miss Congeniality (2000), and The Ron Clark Story (2006). His most prominent role on television was Warden Leo Glynn on HBO's Oz (1997–2003). Hudson has also appeared in the television shows St. Elsewhere (1984), The Last Precinct (1986), 10-8: Officers on Duty (2003–2004), Desperate Housewives (2006–2007), The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008–2013), Law & Order (2009–2010), the voice of Agent Bill Fowler in Transformers: Prime (2010–2013), Franklin & Bash (2012–2014), Grace and Frankie (2015–2020), and L.A.'s Finest (2019–2020). From 2022 to 2024, Hudson appeared as Herbert "Magic" Williams on the NBC drama Quantum Leap.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ernie Hudson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Ernie Hudson's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 56% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ernie Hudson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in On the Scene with the Ghostbusters, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ernie Hudson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ernie Hudson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ernie Hudson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 John Candy: I Like Me Self - Actor (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2024 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Winston Zeddemore Hit Similar →
2023 The Retirement Plan Joseph Average Similar →
2023 Prisoner's Daughter Hank Average Similar →
2023 Champions Coach Phil Peretti Hit Similar →
2022 In Search of Tomorrow Self - Interviewee Hit Similar →
2021 Beebo Saves Christmas Santa Claus (voice) Hit Similar →
2021 Ghostbusters: Afterlife Winston Zeddemore Hit Similar →
2020 Cleanin' Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters Self Hit Similar →
2018 Nappily Ever After Richard Jones Hit Similar →
2016 Heaven Sent Donatello Average Similar →
2016 Infinity Train Atticus (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2016 Ghostheads Self Average Similar →
2016 God's Not Dead 2 Judge Stennis Average Similar →
2016 Batman: Bad Blood Lucius Fox (voice) Hit Similar →
2015 Gallows Road Bob Collins Hit Similar →
2014 You're Not You John Hit Similar →
2014 Touched Dr. Beck Average Similar →
2014 Showing Up Self Super Hit Similar →
2013 Dear Secret Santa Pastor Avery Average Similar →
2013 Call Me Crazy: A Five Film Percy Hit Similar →
2012 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva la Fiesta! Pedro (voice) Average Similar →
2011 Underground Entertainment: The Movie Ernie Hit Similar →
2007 Nobel Son Bill Canega Average Similar →
2006 The Ron Clark Story Principal Turner Super Hit Similar →
2005 Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story Perry Beasley Hit Similar →
2004 Clifford's Really Big Movie P.T. (voice) Average Similar →
2000 Miss Congeniality Harry McDonald Hit Similar →
1999 Michael Jordan: An American Hero - Average Similar →
1998 October 22 Arthur Hit Similar →
1997 Levitation Downbeat Average Similar →
1996 For Which He Stands DEA Agent Baxter Average Similar →
1996 The Substitute Claude Rolle Hit Similar →
1995 The Basketball Diaries Reggie Hit Similar →
1994 Speechless Ventura Average Similar →
1994 Airheads Sergeant O'Malley Average Similar →
1994 The Crow Albrecht Super Hit Similar →
1994 No Escape Hawkins Average Similar →
1992 The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Solomon Hit Similar →
1989 Ghostbusters II Winston Zeddemore Hit Similar →
1989 Leviathan Justin Jones Average Similar →
1984 On the Scene with the Ghostbusters - Super Hit Similar →
1984 Ghostbusters Winston Zeddemore Super Hit Similar →
1983 Two of a Kind Det. Skaggs Average Similar →
1980 The Jazz Singer Heckler Average Similar →
1980 White Mama Counsellor Super Hit Similar →
1979 Joni Earl Average Similar →
1977 Man from Atlantis IV: The Disappearances Minion Hit Similar →
1976 The Human Tornado Bo Average Similar →
1976 Leadbelly Archie Average Similar →

Ernie Hudson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ernie Hudson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ernie Hudson is "On the Scene with the Ghostbusters" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Ernie Hudson acted in?

Ernie Hudson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ernie Hudson?

Other notable films include "Showing Up", "Infinity Train", and "White Mama".