Ernie Hudson Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Parents, Movies, Facebook

Earnest Lee Hudson, widely recognized as Ernie Hudson, is an American actor, playwright, and producer best known for his iconic role as Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters franchise.

With a career spanning over five decades, he has delivered memorable performances in films such as The Crow, Oz (as Warden Leo Glynn), and Congo, while also appearing in television and voice work.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Earnest Lee Hudson
• Stage Name: Ernie Hudson
• Born: December 17, 1945
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: African American
• Occupation: Actor, playwright, producer
• Height: 1.83 m
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Maggie Donald
• Siblings: Lewis Hudson
• Spouse: Linda Kingsberg (m. 1985); Jeannie Moore (m. 1963–1976)
• Children: Rahaman Hudson, Ernie Hudson Jr., Ross Hudson, Andrew Hudson
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Earnest Lee Hudson was born on December 17, 1945 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, United States.

He is the son of Maggie Donald, who passed away when he was an infant; he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Arrana Donald. His half-brother is Lewis Hudson.

He attended Benton Harbor High School, served briefly in the U.S. Marine Corps, and pursued higher education at Wayne State University (BFA), the University of Minnesota, and the Yale School of Drama.

His ethnicity is African American and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Ernie Hudson began his career in theater as a resident playwright at Concept East, the oldest Black theater company in the U.S., before transitioning to screen acting in the 1970s.

He gained early recognition with roles in films like Penitentiary II and broke through as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters (1984) and its sequel.

He delivered strong supporting performances in The Crow (1994) as Sergeant Albrecht and in the HBO series Oz as Warden Leo Glynn.

Ernie Hudson has maintained a steady career with appearances in Congo, Grace and Frankie, and numerous television shows and films.

He has also written, produced, and voiced characters, most recently taking over the role of Combat Carl in Toy Story 5 (2026) following Carl Weathers.

His work has contributed to greater representation for African American actors in mainstream Hollywood blockbusters and ensemble casts.

Awards and Nominations

• Universe Reader’s Choice Award (1995)
• Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival Career Achievement Award (2006)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @erniehudsonofficial
• Facebook Handle: Ernie Hudson

Personal Life

Ernie Hudson, 80 years old and 6 ft 0 in tall, has been married to Linda Kingsberg since 1985. He was previously married to Jeannie Moore from 1963 to 1976.

He has four sons: Rahaman Hudson, Ernie Hudson Jr. (actor), Ross Hudson, and Andrew Hudson.

He is known for his strong family values, Christian faith, and close relationships with his children and grandchildren while residing between Los Angeles and Lake Arrowhead.

Net Worth

Ernie Hudson has an estimated net worth of $5 million USD.

His wealth primarily comes from his long-acting career, including iconic roles in the Ghostbusters franchise, television series like Oz and Grace and Frankie, voice work such as in Toy Story 5, and additional producing and playwright credits.

Filmography

• Ghostbusters (1984) – Winston Zeddemore
• Ghostbusters II (1989) – Winston Zeddemore
• The Crow (1994) – Sergeant Albrecht
• Congo (1995)
• Toy Story 5 (2026) – Combat Carl (voice)
• Television: Oz (1997–2003) – Warden Leo Glynn
• Grace and Frankie (recurring)