Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ernie Hudson’s Net Worth?
Ernie Hudson, a prolific American actor with a career spanning over four decades, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million. This figure reflects his earnings from numerous roles in film and television, showcasing his enduring presence in the entertainment industry. Hudson’s financial standing is a result of consistent work and strategic career choices, solidifying his position as a respected and successful actor.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Earnest Lee Hudson on October 17, 1945, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, his early life was marked by hardship, with his mother’s death from tuberculosis when he was just two months old. Raised by his maternal grandmother, Hudson’s father was not involved in his upbringing. After high school, Hudson briefly joined the United States Marine Corps but was discharged due to asthma. He then moved to Detroit, becoming a resident playwright at Concept East, the oldest black theatre company in the US. He also enrolled at Wayne State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1973 after studying writing and drama. During his time in college, he founded the Actors’ Ensemble Theatre, a club for black screenwriters and actors.
Hudson’s early career involved a mix of stage and screen roles. While attending Yale and performing with the school, he was cast in Loni Elder III’s musical “Daddy Goodness,” where he met Gordon Parks. This connection led to his first feature film role in Parks’ “Leadbelly,” released in 1976. Despite this initial foray into film, Hudson returned to Minnesota to pursue a doctoral program in theater at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He left the program to appear in the Minneapolis Theatre In The Round’s production “The Great White Hope,” which brought him increased recognition. From 1978 to 1979, he secured guest roles on nine television shows and a recurring role on “Highcliffe Manor,” laying the groundwork for his future success.
The early 1980s saw Hudson continue to build his resume with guest star roles on television and parts in television movies and feature films, including “Going Beserk,” “Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone,” and “Two of A Kind.” His first major leading film role came in the 1982 sports drama “Penitentiary II.” These roles helped him to develop a recognizable presence and credibility within the industry, which eventually led to his breakthrough role in “Ghostbusters.” Despite these early successes, it was “Ghostbusters” that propelled his career to new heights.
“Ghostbusters” and Subsequent Roles
Hudson’s big break came with the 1984 classic “Ghostbusters,” where he played Winston Zeddemore. Initially, the script had Zeddemore’s character with a more prominent role, and Hudson, excited about the part, agreed to do the movie for half his usual salary. This role marked a significant turning point in his career, exposing him to a wider audience and cementing his status as a recognizable actor. In 1985, he had a recurring voice acting role on the series “The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians,” and in 1986, he had a recurring role on the drama series “The Last Precinct.” In 1989, he had supporting roles in the adventure mystery film “Leviathan,” the adventure film “Trapper County War,” and “Ghostbusters II.”
The success of “Ghostbusters” did not immediately translate into effortless career advancement. Despite the film’s popularity, Hudson faced challenges in securing roles that fully utilized his talent. One notable example is the subsequent Ghostbusters animated series, where he was required to audition to voice his own character and ultimately lost the part to Arsenio Hall. This experience highlights the complexities and challenges faced by actors, even after achieving mainstream success.
In the 1990s, Hudson continued to work steadily, appearing in a variety of film and television projects. In 1992, he had a supporting role in the psychological thriller “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle,” which grossed over $140 million at the box office. He starred in the television mini-series “Broken Badges” in 1991, as well as the 1992 television mini-series “Wild Palms.” He made scattered guest appearances on television shows throughout the nineties, including “Tales from the Crypt,” “The Ben Stiller Show,” and “Grace Under Fire.” He continued to appear in major feature films throughout the decade. In 1994, he was in the superhero film “The Crow” and the crime drama “Sugar Hill.” The following year, he starred alongside a young Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Basketball Diaries” and had a leading role in the science fiction movie “The Congo.” He spent the next couple of years acting in television movies and returned to the big screen in 1997 with roles in “Fakin’ Da Funk” and “Mr. Magoo.” Also in 1997, he began his recurring role on the HBO series “Oz,” and he would continue in his role as Warden Leo Glyn until 2003.
From 1997 to 2003, Hudson had a recurring role on the HBO series “Oz,” where he played Warden Leo Glynn. This role provided him with consistent work and critical acclaim, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling complex characters. His involvement in “Oz” contributed significantly to his earnings during this period, adding to his overall net worth.
In the 2000s, Hudson’s career continued with roles in both film and television. His first major feature film release of the millennium was in the Sandra Bullock-led comedy “Miss Congeniality,” and he reprised the role for the 2005 sequel. From 2003 to 2004, he had a recurring role on the television show “10-8: Officers on Duty,” and he had a recurring role on the ABC television show “Desperate Housewives” from 2006 to 2007. He was also featured on several episodes of the show “E.R,” and on an episode of “Crossing Jordan” as well as the science fiction series “Stargate SG-1” in 2006. In 2008, he started a recurring role on “The Secret Life of the American Teenage,” which he played until 2013. He filled the remainder of the decade with a handful of feature film appearances, but he more frequently opted for television movies. He was featured as a guest star on the television shows “Cold Case,” “Psych,” “Bones,” “Private Practice,” and “Heroes.” He started the 2010s with a recurring role on season 20 of “Law & Order,” and he began a recurring role on the award-winning animated television series “Transformers Prime.” He has made several guest appearances on the television shows “Modern Family,” “Grace and Frankie,” “L.A.’s Finest,” and “The Family Business.” He reprised his role as Winston Zeddemore in the 2016 remake “Ghostbusters.” His continued work in both film and television has been essential in maintaining and growing his net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In August 2016, Ernie Hudson and his wife invested in real estate, purchasing a 4,800 square foot home set on 1.3 acres in Hidden Hills, California, for $3.275 million. The value of this property has likely appreciated significantly since then, potentially exceeding $5 million based on comparable nearby sales. This real estate investment represents a substantial portion of Hudson’s net worth and highlights his financial acumen.
Hudson’s personal life has also shaped his financial decisions. He married Jeannie Moore in 1963, and they had two sons before divorcing in 1976. In 1985, he married Linda Kingsberg, a former flight attendant, and they have two sons together. Hudson has described himself as a practicing Christian, indicating that his faith plays a significant role in his life. His personal values and family commitments likely influence his financial planning and investment strategies.
Ernie Hudson’s journey from a challenging childhood to a successful acting career is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and strategic financial decisions. His $5 million net worth reflects his sustained presence and contributions to the entertainment industry.
