Ernie Hudson, known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters franchise, reflected on how a co-star supported him in returning to 1989 Ghostbusters II. The original Ghostbusters (1984) became an iconic comedy hit, mixing supernatural action with sharp humor alongside a stellar cast of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Hudson. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film followed a group of parapsychologists who started a ghost-catching business in New York City. Its success led to the sequel, Ghostbusters II, which reunited the original cast to combat a new supernatural threat.
When participating in a panel at Rhode Island Comic Con (via People), Hudson shared a heartfelt memory of Murray’s support during the beginning Ghostbusters days. Although his character, Winston, joined the team later in the first film, he became a central figure, and Murray’s support was instrumental in securing Hudson’s return for the sequel. Hudson further revealed that the studio often left him out in promotions and posters, but his fellow actors went out of their way to make him feel like part of the team. Read the full quote here:
Bill Murray is the only actor I’ve ever worked with who, when they tried to convince him to do another [Ghostbusters]… Bill basically said, ‘If Ernie Hudson isn’t in it, I’m not going to do it.’ There aren’t many people who stick up for you. And that was very, very special. So I love all the guys. They are very, very supportive. I was already acting, I don’t know, many years before I even did Ghostbusters. The studio really wasn’t that welcoming, but the guys [Murray, Ramis, and Aykroyd] they were. When we do a scene, the guys say, ‘Wait a minute, Ernie isn’t saying anything. So let’s make sure it’s included. Many of these lines probably could have been sent to someone else, but they were kind enough to make sure I was always included. The studio kind of went out of its way to make sure I wasn’t included. It reached the poster. It got to the PR stuff. The guys were really [inclusive]and that’s why I really considered them very, very special people in my life.
What Ernie Hudson’s Story Means for Ghostbusters
The cast’s bond mattered beyond the screen
Murray’s support highlights the strong camaraderie within the original Ghostbusters cast, reinforcing the bond they shared on and off screen. Although Winston Zeddemore may have been a later addition to the Ghostbusters team, Hudson’s role was essential to the group’s everyman dynamic. (“If there is a fixed salary, I will believe anything you say“) and voice of reason.
Murray’s insistence that Hudson be included Ghostbusters II shows that the relationships built during the original film extended beyond the set and highlights how Murray, Aykroyd and Ramis saw Hudson as a true equal in the franchise.
His co-stars’ efforts to include him on set and in scenes – even when the studio showed reluctance – demonstrate the genuine friendship and mutual respect that developed between the cast members. Murray’s insistence that Hudson be included Ghostbusters II shows that the relationships built during the original film extended beyond the set and highlights how Murray, Aykroyd and Ramis viewed Hudson as a true equal in the franchise.
The studio adversity that Hudson describes also sheds light on the broader racial dynamics of Hollywood in the 1980s.especially for black actors in leading roles. Hudson’s anecdote reveals the challenges he faced, but also shows how co-stars can help offset the industry’s limitations. The cast’s determination to elevate Hudson as a colleague, even in defiance of the studio’s decisions, speaks volumes about their loyalty and appreciation for his contributions to the film. Ghostbusters legacy.
Our Take on Ernie Hudson’s Fond Memory of His Co-Stars
The actor’s story emphasizes the importance of solidarity in an industry in constant evolution
Their reflections highlight the genuine bond between the original cast members and the importance of mutual respect in an industry marked by a long history of racialized and gendered exclusion. Despite the studio’s apparent attempts to sideline him, Hudson’s co-stars ensured that he was not only included, but a valued member of the cast, emphasizing the importance of unity when executive leadership falls short.
Hudson’s story is a reminder of how franchises can be stronger when cast members stick up for each other. To Ghostbusters For fans, knowing that the cast fought for each other makes revisiting these classic films all the more rewarding, as it’s clear that their friendships were as genuine as their on-screen camaraderie.
Source: People