Ernie Hudson has built a career defined by resilience, versatility, and quiet strength. From his breakout role as Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters franchise to his newest turn as a hardened yet compassionate Boston police captain in CBS’s Boston Blue, Hudson’s journey reflects a man who has faced every challenge — both on and off the screen — with grace and grit.
In a candid new interview, the veteran actor opens up about returning to network television, what drew him to the world of Boston Blue, and how his personal battle with cancer reshaped the way he approaches life, work, and legacy.
A Legendary Career Comes Full Circle
For audiences around the world, Ernie Hudson will always be remembered as one of the original Ghostbusters. The 1984 classic made him a household name, but Hudson’s career spans far beyond that single role. With more than four decades in Hollywood, he’s appeared in The Crow, Oz, Miss Congeniality, Grace and Frankie, and most recently, Quantum Leap.
Now, with Boston Blue, Hudson steps into a role that feels both familiar and fresh. He plays Captain Raymond Brooks, the commanding officer of a special task force that works alongside Donnie Wahlberg’s Detective Danny Reagan, who relocates to Boston after years in New York.
For Hudson, it’s a chance to portray a leader shaped by experience — one who’s seen the cost of justice firsthand.
“Captain Brooks isn’t a perfect man,” Hudson explains. “He’s been through hell in his career, and he’s learned that leadership isn’t about barking orders — it’s about carrying the weight of everyone else’s mistakes and victories. I relate to that. I’ve carried a lot in my life, too.”
The Heart of Boston Blue
The upcoming CBS drama, a Blue Bloods spinoff, follows Danny Reagan as he joins a Boston task force tackling some of the city’s toughest crimes. While Wahlberg brings his trademark intensity to the role, Hudson’s Captain Brooks provides the grounding force — a seasoned mentor whose moral compass keeps the team together.
In the trailer, Hudson’s character delivers a line that’s already resonating with fans:
“You don’t win by breaking rules. You win by knowing which ones are worth bending.”
That measured balance between discipline and compassion mirrors Hudson’s own philosophy about life and work.
“What I love about Boston Blue is that it’s not just about chasing bad guys,” he says. “It’s about people — people who wake up every day and decide to do something good, even when the world makes that harder than ever. That’s a story worth telling.”
Facing His Toughest Role Yet: Cancer Survivor
Beyond the screen, Hudson’s life took a dramatic turn in recent years when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer — a battle he chose to face with the same quiet courage he’s shown throughout his career.
“When you hear the word ‘cancer,’ your world stops,” Hudson admits. “You think about your family, your purpose, and all the things you still want to do. For me, I decided early on: I wasn’t going to let fear dictate how I lived.”
After successful treatment and recovery, Hudson became an advocate for regular health screenings, especially for men over 50. He’s open about how the experience changed his outlook.
“You start to see life differently. The small things don’t bother you anymore. You wake up grateful — not just to work, but to be here. And I bring that gratitude into every scene now.”
That renewed perspective, he says, deeply informed his portrayal of Captain Brooks — a man who understands loss, endurance, and the importance of second chances.
Working with Donnie Wahlberg and the Boston Blue Cast
Hudson praises Wahlberg’s leadership both on and off set, calling him “the heartbeat of the show.”
“Donnie has that rare combination of energy and empathy,” Hudson shares. “He’s got this intensity when the cameras roll, but between takes, he’s making sure everyone feels seen. That’s how you build a great team — and that’s what Boston Blue is about.”
He also speaks highly of Sonequa Martin-Green, who plays Detective Dana Brooks, Captain Brooks’ daughter and a rising star in the Boston PD. Their father-daughter dynamic adds emotional depth to the procedural storytelling.
“Sonequa is phenomenal,” Hudson says warmly. “She brings both fire and heart to the screen. Our scenes together explore the tension between old-school policing and the new generation’s demand for reform. It’s powerful stuff.”
On Ghostbusters, Legacy, and Gratitude
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about Ernie Hudson without mentioning Ghostbusters. With the franchise still going strong decades later — including 2024’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire — Hudson feels grateful to have been part of something so enduring.
“I never take it for granted,” he reflects. “Winston was the everyman — the guy you could relate to in a world full of chaos. I think that’s why people still connect with him.”
He also draws a surprising parallel between Ghostbusters and Boston Blue:
“Both are about teamwork and trust. Whether you’re chasing ghosts or criminals, you need to know the person next to you has your back. That’s what makes these stories timeless.”
Looking Forward with Purpose
At 79, Hudson isn’t slowing down. He’s balancing Boston Blue with film projects, voice work, and advocacy for cancer awareness. But more than anything, he’s focused on telling meaningful stories — ones that reflect resilience and hope.
“I’ve been through a lot — rejection, poverty, illness — but I’ve also been blessed beyond measure,” Hudson says. “Every new project is a reminder that I’m still here for a reason. If Boston Blue inspires someone to keep fighting, then I’ve done my job.”
As Boston Blue prepares to premiere, Hudson’s portrayal of Captain Raymond Brooks looks set to anchor the series with wisdom, warmth, and hard-earned humanity — the same qualities that have defined his legendary career.
“At this point,” he smiles, “I just want to do work that means something. And Boston Blue means something.”
