Trivia

Has been a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in the San Bernardino County (California) Sheriff's office for 14 years (as of 2003)

He enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from Benton Harbor High School, but was medically discharged less than three months later due to asthma.

Father of actor Ernie Hudson Jr.. Father and son have appeared together in the HBO series "Oz".

Admits that two of his heroes growing up were Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee. He later went on to star with the late Brandon Lee in El Cuervo (1994).

His mother died when he was two months old.

Trained for the stage at the Yale University School of Drama.

He also attended the University of Minnesota.

Raised by his grandmother.

He was on the shortlist for the role of The Master in Doctor Who (1996), until Eric Roberts won the role. His only association with the Doctor Who franchise is a major guest role in Miracle Day: The Middle Men (2011).

He has four sons: Ernie, Jr., Rahaman, Andrew, and Ross.

Enjoys writing.

Auditioned to reprise his Winston Zeddemore role from Los cazafantasmas (1984) for the animated series adaptation Los verdaderos cazafantasmas (1986) but was declined in favor of Arsenio Hall.

Graduated from Wayne State University.

Hosted Cinemax's "Summer of a Thousand Movies".

Has one grandson.

A two-time cancer survivor.