
Ernie Hudson
Actor, Activist, Producer and Speaker
Ernie Hudson is one of the most sought-after actors of our time with an impressive list of credits and awards. His body of work has diverse range, including Ghostbusters 1 and 2 with Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis, TV’s Law and Order and HBO’s award winning series Oz, the acclaimed movie The Crow,…
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Full Bio
Ernie Hudson is one of the most sought-after actors of our time with an impressive list of credits and awards. His body of work has diverse range, including Ghostbusters 1 and 2 with Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis, TV’s Law and Order and HBO’s award winning series Oz, the acclaimed movie The Crow, and starring next to Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality 1 and 2.
He is a beloved star in film, television and stage, long considered one of Hollywood’s iconic working actors who continually delivers.
His road to fame, however, had its share of hardships. In his early years, Hudson was born in poverty and raised in the housing projects of Benton Harbor, Michigan, in a time where civil rights had a long road ahead. The odds were more in favor of Hudson spending a life in prison than his having a successful life in Hollywood. Whether it was reconciling the loss of his mother and the absence of a father, gaining the reputation of being the toughest kid in school, serving in the Marine Corps, attending Yale, raising his sons as a single father or overcoming racism in the entertainment industry, Hudson was always supported first and foremost by his grandmother, who taught him patience and graciousness.
The wisdom Hudson gained before his Hollywood days allows him to relate to struggling individuals and communities. He understands the challenges of overcoming seemingly insurmountable problems and inspires others to always persevere.
Hudson’s persistence has had him working in the film industry for over four decades. With such a resume, he can entertain audiences with stories of his humble beginnings, his Hollywood ups and downs and the lessons he has learned. Ernie will share the secrets of how to get out of the box of limitation and land dream roles, not just on the stage or screen, but roles important to everyday life.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
The Value of Fatherhood
What does it mean to be a father and the responsibilities that come with? Having four sons from two very different generations and two marriages, Ernie Hudson knows the trials and tribulations of fatherhood. In this speech, he shares how to heal the wounds of your own father issues and raise a new generation of healthy, loving children.
Grandma’s Hands: Life Lessons from a Matriarch
This presentation by Ernie Hudson reviews the 5 important life lessons he learned from his grandmother. Lessons that can get anyone through life’s most difficult and challenging times, Hudson’s grandmother was always there for him, even after his mother died when he was three months old and he never knew his father. Both a wise and spiritual person, his grandmother imparted many lifelong lessons and practical advice he carries with him to this day and is now sharing with audiences.
Overcoming Odds & Adversity
How do you push through overwhelming odds and become that “somebody” you have always dreamed of being? Born in poverty and raised in the housing projects of Michigan, the odds were more in favor of Ernie Hudson spending a life in prison than having a glowing career in Hollywood. Whether it was gaining the reputation of being the toughest kid in school or attending Yale, raising his sons as a single father or overcoming racism in the entertainment industry, Hudson has practiced his grandmother’s teaching: Never fight against the odds, but stand on faith in the eye of the storm. Hudson explains to audiences how knowing you are bigger than any circumstances can lead to success.
Surviving Hollywood…With A Smile
In this personal presentation, Ernie Hudson shares how he survived Hollywood and lived to laugh about it. Hudson has been working in the film industry for over four decades with big film roles in Ghostbusters, The Crow, Miss Congeniality and many more. Join Hudson as he tells how he got started, his journeys, struggles and the lessons he has learned along the way. Whether it is the field of acting or any other endeavor, he will share with you secrets of how to get out of your box of limitations and land the roles of people’s dreams.
Videos
Ernie Hudson's Q&A from Niagara Falls Comic Con
Books
News
Testimonials
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