Ernie Hudson
Ernie Hudson is one of the most sought after actors of our time, with an impressive list of credits and awards, and a body of work that is unparalleled with this diverse range and span of time. He has appeared in over 200 television series and movies, which include every genre. After over 40 years on screen, Hudson has become, not only instantly recognizable, but a true Hollywood icon. Some of his most notable appearances include, but are not limited to, "Ghostbusters 1 & 2," the "Crow," "Congo," "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle," "Miss Congeniality 1 & 2," and the HBO groundbreaking series "OZ." But there's much more to Ernie than just being a successful actor.
Born in Benton Harbor Michigan, he lost his mother to tuberculosis when he was just three months old. He never knew his father. Born into extreme poverty, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, who taught him five important lessons. Life lessons which he shares with audiences. He credits these five lessons for carried him from the housing projects to Yale to Hollywood and Broadway.
After high school, he joined the military. Upon returning home he married and move to Detroit and enrolled at Wayne State University, where he discovered his love for the theater. His writing earned him a full scholarship to the prestigious Yale School of Drama. While attending Yale his troubled marriage failed. To his surprise, he ended up with full custody of his two small sons. With his sons in tow, he headed for Hollywood to seek his fame and fortune. This was the most challenging and rewarding period of his life. He shares his experiences with fathers and tells them, "accepting responsibility for your children is the most important thing you can do, not just for your children, but for yourself. Had I not excepted responsibility for my children, I am certain I would not be alive today."
After arriving in Hollywood, Hudson began working immediately and has never stopped. Starting out in the blacksploitation movies he starred in the "Human Tornado," and "Penitentiary 2" and has continued working non stop right up to today. Appearing recently in TV shows like "Modern Family," "Grey's Anatomy," "Franklin & Bash," "Criminal Minds." In movies, the soon to be released "You're Not You," with Hilary Swank and Emmy Rossum, and "Ambush At Dark Canyon," with country western star Kix Brooks. Hudson has shared the screen with some of the greatest actors of our times, people like Bette Davis, Sir Laurence Olivier, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand, Sandra Bullock, Sir Michael Caine, Bill Murray, Robert Downey Jr, and the list goes on. For over 45 years, Hudson has seen the best and worst of show business. His stories will move you from laughter to tears, from joy to utter amazement.
Ernie Hudson is one of the most sought after actors of our time, with an impressive list of credits and awards, and a body of work that is unparalleled with this diverse range and span of time. He has appeared in over 200 television series and movies, which include every genre. After over 40 years on screen, Hudson has become, not only instantly recognizable, but a true Hollywood icon. Some of his most notable appearances include, but are not limited to, "Ghostbusters 1 & 2," the "Crow," "Congo," "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle," "Miss Congeniality 1 & 2," and the HBO groundbreaking series "OZ." But there's much more to Ernie than just being a successful actor.
Born in Benton Harbor Michigan, he lost his mother to tuberculosis when he was just three months old. He never knew his father. Born into extreme poverty, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, who taught him five important lessons. Life lessons which he shares with audiences. He credits these five lessons for carried him from the housing projects to Yale to Hollywood and Broadway.
After high school, he joined the military. Upon returning home he married and move to Detroit and enrolled at Wayne State University, where he discovered his love for the theater. His writing earned him a full scholarship to the prestigious Yale School of Drama. While attending Yale his troubled marriage failed. To his surprise, he ended up with full custody of his two small sons. With his sons in tow, he headed for Hollywood to seek his fame and fortune. This was the most challenging and rewarding period of his life. He shares his experiences with fathers and tells them, "accepting responsibility for your children is the most important thing you can do, not just for your children, but for yourself. Had I not excepted responsibility for my children, I am certain I would not be alive today."
After arriving in Hollywood, Hudson began working immediately and has never stopped. Starting out in the blacksploitation movies he starred in the "Human Tornado," and "Penitentiary 2" and has continued working non stop right up to today. Appearing recently in TV shows like "Modern Family," "Grey's Anatomy," "Franklin & Bash," "Criminal Minds." In movies, the soon to be released "You're Not You," with Hilary Swank and Emmy Rossum, and "Ambush At Dark Canyon," with country western star Kix Brooks. Hudson has shared the screen with some of the greatest actors of our times, people like Bette Davis, Sir Laurence Olivier, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand, Sandra Bullock, Sir Michael Caine, Bill Murray, Robert Downey Jr, and the list goes on. For over 45 years, Hudson has seen the best and worst of show business. His stories will move you from laughter to tears, from joy to utter amazement.
The Value of Fatherhood
What does it mean to be a father and the responsibilities that come with? Having four sons from two very different generations and two marriages, Ernie Hudson knows the trials and tribulations of fatherhood. In this speech, he shares how to heal the wounds of your own father issues and raise a new generation of healthy, loving children.
Grandma's Hands: Life Lessons from a Matriarch
This presentation by Ernie Hudson reviews the 5 important life lessons he learned from his grandmother. Lessons that can get anyone through life's most difficult and challenging times, Hudson's grandmother was always there for him, even after his mother died when he was three months old and he never knew his father. Both a wise and spiritual person, his grandmother imparted many lifelong lessons and practical advice he carries with him to this day and is now sharing with audiences.
Overcoming Odds & Adversity
How do you push through overwhelming odds and become that "somebody" you have always dreamed of being? Born in poverty and raised in the housing projects of Michigan, the odds were more in favor of Ernie Hudson spending a life in prison than having a glowing career in Hollywood. Whether it was gaining the reputation of being the toughest kid in school or attending Yale, raising his sons as a single father or overcoming racism in the entertainment industry, Hudson has practiced his...
Surviving Hollywood…With A Smile
In this personal presentation, Ernie Hudson shares how he survived Hollywood and lived to laugh about it. Hudson has been working in the film industry for over four decades with big film roles in Ghostbusters, The Crow, Miss Congeniality and many more. Join Hudson as he tells how he got started, his journeys, struggles and the lessons he has learned along the way. Whether it is the field of acting or any other endeavor, he will share with you secrets of how to get out of your box of...
