Ernie Hudson, the beloved actor known for his iconic role as Winston Zeddemore in “Ghostbusters”, has been making headlines recently—not just for his acting career, but for his inspiring journey in maintaining health and vitality in his 70s. As Hudson approaches his 79th birthday, he reflects on what it takes to age gracefully, stay active, and keep up with life’s demands in both Hollywood and everyday life.
Hudson’s approach to staying fit is grounded in balance and self-care. Rather than adopting extreme health measures, he advocates for moderation and a positive attitude. “At this point, I’m trying not to do anything too crazy,” Hudson tells BlackDoctor.org, emphasizing that while eating healthy is important, avoiding extremes is key. For him, laughter is an essential part of staying youthful. “Laugh as much as you can,” he advises.
Hudson’s philosophy is also centered on mindfulness.
“I don’t really have any big secrets, just living with a sense of gratitude and understanding that we live in these bodies, and it’s important to be good stewards of them. Don’t let things get out of control,” Hudson adds. “We have to be aware that the actions we take have consequences. We can have fun, but we can’t let things get too out of control.”
Hudson’s outlook on health was profoundly transformed when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998. Fortunately, thanks to early detection, the cancer was successfully treated. However, in 2011, he faced another health battle when he was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Although it was caught early once again, the journey was not without its challenges.
“I almost died. But what it really reminded me of is that I have to take charge of my own healthcare. I have to ask questions and make sure I’m aware of what’s available to me. This body is the only one I’ve got, so I try to keep it as healthy and active as I can,” Hudson shares.
This experience made Hudson a fierce advocate for personal responsibility in healthcare.
Hudson’s advocacy has extended to public health awareness as well, particularly through his collaboration with Pfizer in a campaign to raise awareness about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for people aged 60 and older.
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“It’s important to be aware of potential health issues, talk to your doctor, and stay informed. I’m happy to be part of this campaign, speaking to people about staying on top of their health,” Hudson shares. “It’s all about awareness—being aware of things like RSV. There’s a site, VaxAssist.com, where people can go to see if they’re eligible for the vaccine. You can talk to your doctor, too, but you have to be proactive because healthcare providers don’t always bring it up voluntarily.”
Hudson’s “Rated RSV” campaign with Pfizer has taken a fun twist, pushing back against the stereotype that aging equates to slowing down.
“Sometimes we think that after 40, life is over. But for me, life is more fun than ever. The campaign’s message is that this virus affects people over 75, but you can still be sexy and have fun. We wanted to show that mature audiences can still enjoy life while also being mindful of their health,” Hudson adds.
Hudson hopes this message will particularly resonate with the Black community, who have disproportionately been impacted by certain health issues.
“It’s important to know we’re not invincible and we have to take care of ourselves. We can’t control everything, but we can avoid unnecessary risks and be active participants in our health,” Hudson says.
While Hudson acknowledges that he may approach some activities a bit slower now, he firmly believes that aging should not be viewed as a limitation.
“People assume that at a certain age, you naturally have to slow down or there are things you can’t do. I haven’t found that to be true. I can do pretty much anything I want. I think we limit ourselves unnecessarily,” he notes. “There’s no reason to assume life is over at a certain age. But, of course, if your body isn’t in the condition to do what you want, that’s a problem. So my message to people is: just do what you can, stay as active as possible for as long as you can. If you aren’t already active, start by walking, socializing, or just moving around. It makes a big difference.”
“A lot of people my age have retired. And I ask them, ‘Why would you retire and sit down?’ Now’s the time to travel, see the world, and do the things you’ve always wanted to do. These are supposed to be the golden years, so let’s do the things that allow us to enjoy them,” Hudson adds.
Hudson’s remarkable career has spanned more than four decades, and he continues to defy Hollywood’s often ageist norms. Hudson’s ability to take on diverse roles even in his 70s is a testament to his self-determination.
“I realized that you have to define yourself. A lot of us look to others for validation, wondering what they think of us. Once we figure that out, we start to believe the same things about ourselves. But the truth is, we are the ones who define who we are and what we’re capable of. You do that by how you live your life,” Hudson says. “It’s really about your belief in yourself. And once you believe in yourself, other people will see that too. In Hollywood, I don’t really know what people think of me or if I have a certain persona. I don’t worry about that. I just know I want to enjoy life and the opportunities that come my way.”
With multiple projects on the horizon, Hudson feels fortunate to remain busy and relevant in an industry that is notoriously tough on aging actors.
“I’m doing a TV show called ‘The Family Business’. We’re in our fifth season now. It’s on BET+ and Netflix, and it’s a lot of fun with a great cast. I’m also about to start shooting a movie called ‘The Assistant’ in Italy, and I’m sure that’ll be fun too.” Hudson shares. “We just released a season of ‘Angry Birds’, and I’m about to start shooting an animated horror movie called ‘Oswald: Down the Rabbit Hole’. That starts filming next month. So, I’ve been blessed to stay very busy work-wise, which is a result of making sure I don’t ignore my physical health.”
Hudson now takes pleasure in being on set alongside young actors. “I love watching them bring something new and exciting to the table,” he shares.
Hudson’s bucket list is still full, with dreams of starring in a romantic comedy or an action film.
“I’d love to do a romantic comedy—that would be fun. And I’d love to do a real action movie,” Hudson says, adding that he’d be excited to do another safari movie, similar to his 1995 film “Congo”.
While he jokes about not wanting to skydive or travel to outer space, he looks forward to spending more time with his family and taking a long-overdue vacation with his children and grandchildren.
“I just enjoy life. I’ve been married for almost 50 years, and my wife is amazing. Every day I’m reminded of how blessed I am to have her in my life. My greatest pleasure is seeing her happy. We love going on cruises and exploring places we haven’t been. That’s always fun,” he adds.
For those seeking to age gracefully, Hudson’s advice is straightforward.
“From time to time, it’s good to give your body a break. I grew up in a church environment where fasting was common, and intermittent fasting is something I still try to practice. It gives your body time to reset. Drinking plenty of water is also key. And just being active—nothing too crazy, just walking. My wife and I try to get in 10,000 steps a day. She always hits that mark, and I try my best,” Hudson says.
Most importantly, he advises listening to your body. “If you feel something is off with your body, don’t ignore it. The body has a way of telling you when something’s wrong, so check it out sooner rather than later.”
Hudson’s overarching message is one of gratitude and appreciation for life. “The odds of any of us existing are like a zillion to one—it’s a miracle. So, while we’re here, let’s enjoy it, take care of ourselves, and lift each other up,” he concludes.
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