Ernie Hudson, known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in theGhostbustersfranchise, reflected on how one co-star supported him in returning for 1989’sGhostbusters II. The originalGhostbusters(1984) became an iconic comedy hit, blending 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 battle a new supernatural threat.
While attending a panel at the Rhode Island Comic Con (viaPeople), Hudsonshared a heartfelt memory of Murray’s support during the earlyGhostbustersdays. Though his character, Winston, joined the team later in the first movie, he became a central figure, and Murray’s support proved pivotal in ensuring Hudson’s return for the sequel. Hudson further revealed that the studio often sidelined him on promotions and posters, but his fellow actors went out of their way to make him feel part of the team. Read the full quote here:
Bill Murray is the only actor I think I’ve ever worked with who, when they tried to get him to do another [Ghostbusters]… Bill just basically said, ‘If Ernie Hudson’s not in it, I’m not doing it.’ There are not many people who sort of stand up for you. And that was just very, very special. So I love all the guys. They’re very, very supportive. I had been acting for, I don’t know, a lot of years before I even did Ghostbusters. The studio was really not as welcoming, but the guys [Murray, Ramis, and Aykroyd] were. When we do a scene, the guys would say, ‘Wait a minute, Ernie’s not saying anything. So let’s make sure he’s included.’ So a lot of those lines probably could have gone to somebody else, but they were kind enough to make sure that I was always included. The studio sort of went out of its way to make sure that I wasn’t included. It came to the poster. It came to the PR stuff.The guys were really [inclusive], and that’s why I really considered them really all 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 withinthe originalGhostbusterscast, reinforcing the bond they shared on and off-screen. While Winston Zeddemore may have been a later addition to the ghostbusting team,Hudson’s role was essential to the group’s dynamic as the everyman(“If there’s a steady paycheck in it, I’ll believe anything you say”) and voice of reason.
Murray’s insistence that Hudson be included inGhostbusters IIshows 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.
His co-stars’ efforts to include him on set and in scenes—even when the studio showed reluctance—speak to the genuine friendship and mutual respect that developed among the cast members. Murray’s insistence that Hudson beincluded inGhostbusters IIshows thatthe relationships built during the original film extended beyond the setand highlights how Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis viewed Hudson as a true equal in the franchise.
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The studio adversity Hudson describes also sheds light on the broader racial dynamics of Hollywood in the 1980s, particularly for actors of color 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 uplift Hudson as a peer, even challenging the studio’s decisions, speaks volumes about their loyalty and appreciation for his contributions to theGhostbusterslegacy.
Our Take on Ernie Hudson’s Fond Memory of His Castmates
The Actor’s Story Stresses the Importance of Solidarity in an Ever-Evolving Industry
His reflections highlight the genuine bond between the original cast members and the importance of mutual respect in an industry marred by a long history of gendered and racialized exclusion. Despite the studio’s apparent attempts to sideline him, Hudson’s co-stars made sure he was not only included but a valued cast member,emphasizing the importance of unity when executive leadership falls short.
Hudson’s story is a reminder of how much stronger franchises can be when cast members advocate for one another. ForGhostbustersfans, knowing that the cast fought for each other makes revisiting these classic films even more rewarding, as it’s clear their friendships were as genuine as their on-screen camaraderie.
