Veteran actor Ernie Hudson has never been afraid of a challenge. From his breakout role in Ghostbusters to his commanding performances in Oz, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, and The Family Business, Hudson has spent decades portraying men of authority, wisdom, and moral conflict. Now, as he navigates two high-profile projects — the continuation of The Family Business and a key role in the upcoming Blue Bloods spin-off — Hudson admits the stakes have never been higher.
Returning to the Duncan Legacy
Hudson’s portrayal of LC Duncan, the tough yet deeply loyal patriarch at the heart of BET+’s The Family Business, has earned him widespread acclaim. The crime drama, based on Carl Weber’s bestselling novels, follows the powerful Duncan family as they balance their car dealership empire with a hidden life in organized crime.
After several successful seasons, the show’s universe continues to expand — and Hudson says this new phase is pushing the characters deeper than ever before.
“LC’s world is changing,” Hudson shared in a recent interview. “The family’s choices are catching up with them, and it’s forcing everyone — including LC — to look at who they really are.”
According to Hudson, the new season of The Family Business will test every member of the Duncan clan, both morally and emotionally. “It’s not just about the power anymore,” he explained. “It’s about survival, and what it costs to keep your family together when the whole world is coming for you.”
The show’s mix of family loyalty, crime drama, and high-stakes betrayal has turned it into one of BET+’s flagship titles. And Hudson credits that success to the balance between spectacle and substance.
“People tune in for the action,” he said. “But they stay because they care about this family. That’s the magic of it — you see yourself in them, even when they’re doing things you’d never do.”
Joining the Blue Bloods Universe
As if juggling The Family Business weren’t enough, Hudson is now set to join another iconic TV family — this time in CBS’s Blue Bloods spin-off, Boston Blue, led by Donnie Wahlberg.
While details of Hudson’s role are being kept under wraps, sources close to production confirm that he’ll play a retired police commissioner with deep ties to the Boston law enforcement community. His character is said to serve as a mentor — and sometimes a moral compass — to Wahlberg’s Danny Reagan, who relocates to Boston to take on a leadership role in the new series.
For Hudson, the opportunity to be part of a Blue Bloods-connected project felt like the perfect fit.
“I’ve always admired what Blue Bloods stood for,” he said. “It’s about family, duty, and the gray area between right and wrong — and that’s where the best drama lives.”
Hudson also praised Wahlberg for his energy and commitment to honoring the original show’s legacy. “Donnie has such passion,” Hudson added. “He’s carrying this world forward with heart. You can feel that this spin-off isn’t just a paycheck for him — it’s personal.”
Balancing Two Intense Worlds
With both The Family Business and Boston Blue demanding his time, Hudson admits finding balance can be tough. The two series couldn’t be more different — one steeped in crime and secrecy, the other grounded in justice and redemption — but Hudson says the contrast keeps him sharp.
“As an actor, you dream of variety,” he said. “In one world, I’m a man doing whatever it takes to protect his family. In the other, I’m trying to guide someone to do what’s right — even when it’s hard. Both are about legacy, both are about choice.”
Despite the intensity of his schedule, Hudson says he feels more inspired than ever. “At this stage in my career, I only want to do projects that mean something,” he explained. “The Family Business means something to me. And so does this new chapter with Donnie and CBS.”
The Legacy of Longevity
Hudson, now in his seventies, remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents. Over the years, he’s navigated blockbuster franchises, indie dramas, and television hits with equal grace. He credits his longevity to staying curious and never underestimating the audience.
“Viewers are smart,” he said. “They know when something’s real. Whether it’s LC Duncan facing down his enemies or a cop trying to find redemption, it has to come from a truthful place.”
That sense of authenticity is exactly what he’s bringing to Boston Blue. Though his role may evolve as the series develops, insiders describe Hudson’s character as a “moral backbone” — someone who challenges Danny Reagan to see policing and leadership in a new light.
“I think people are going to see a side of Danny they’ve never seen before,” Hudson teased. “He’s older, wiser, but still that same fighter. My character’s job is to make sure he doesn’t lose himself in the process.”
What’s Next
With The Family Business continuing to dominate BET+ charts and Boston Blue set to begin filming in 2026, Hudson’s plate is full — but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You don’t slow down just because the years go by,” he laughed. “You keep showing up, keep learning, and keep finding new ways to tell stories that matter.”
Whether as LC Duncan — the ruthless family man — or as a respected voice of experience in Boston Blue, Ernie Hudson continues to prove that great acting isn’t about age or fame. It’s about purpose, and he’s got plenty of that to spare.
As he put it best:
“The stakes are high in both worlds. But that’s what makes it worth doing. The higher the stakes, the greater the story.”
