The Ghostbusters star has been cast in the show’s spin-off Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg
For fans of the Blue Bloods franchise, it was a welcome surprise to see film and TV veteran Ernie Hudson take Tom Selleck’s place in the pseudo-Frank Reagan role in the show’s new spin-off.
The actor, 79, will play the patriarch of the prominent Silver family of Boston, the setting of Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg. Ernie will play Reverend Peters, the head of the city’s most notable law enforcement family just like the Reagans.
However, while his onscreen persona has been cemented thanks to classic films like the Ghostbusters franchise and TV series like Oz, Grace and Frankie and Quantum Leap, the star keeps his personal life more so under wraps.
Earnest Lee Hudson Jr., 59
Earnest Lee Hudson Jr., who goes by Ernie Hudson Jr., was born in September 1965 to Ernie and his first wife, his high school sweetheart Jeannie Moore. The couple met when they were teens and tied the knot in 1963 and divorced in 1976.
Ernie Jr. and his younger brother moved in with their father after the split and were raised primarily by their dad. Ernie Jr. followed his father into the acting profession, most notably with a recurring role on Oz from 1999-2000.
However, he made a pivot into writing and working as a poet in later life, and was affirmed in 2021 as Togbui Kpogo Afenya I, an Ewe Chief in an eastern region of Ghana. His website mentions his work now with non-profits “focuses on identifying and nurturing African Traditional & American corporate management leadership.” He is also a member of Mensa and is now a father-of-three and grandfather-of-three.
Rahaman Hudson, 55
Rahaman Hudson was born to Ernie and Jeannie reportedly in 1969, and was seven when he moved in with his father after his parents split. He hasn’t ventured into the acting profession like his father and older brother did, although did obtain a degree from Columbia University’s film school. Rahaman did find his own way into the entertainment industry, however.
He established a career for himself as a prominent jazz musician, releasing two albums: 2006’s Snapshot and 2012’s The Songcrafter Album.
He performed at the Tobago Jazz Fest in 2010, and made several appearances at Three Crown Studio in Brooklyn. While he has not mentioned a partner, his social media page shows he has two children, named Thorn and Najeeta.
Andrew Hudson, 36
Ernie welcomed his third son, Andrew Hudson, with his second wife, former flight attendant Linda Kingsberg. Ernie and Linda have been married since 1985, and their son was reportedly born in 1988.
Not much is known about Andrew compared to his other siblings. He’s made a few red carpet appearances over the years, and most notably joined his brothers and father on an episode of Celebrity Family Feud in 2016 (where half-brother Rahaman went by “Rocky”).
Ross Hudson, 34
Ross Hudson is the youngest of Ernie’s four sons, also welcomed with his wife Linda, reportedly in 1990. Ross has also not followed either his father or oldest half-brother into the acting profession. Like his older brother, Ross keeps out of the spotlight as well, joining his siblings on Family Feud in 2016 and helping them in the Fast Money round with oldest brother Ernie Jr.
Although, during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the actor pointed out that host Steve Harvey’s treatment of his youngest did irk him. “My youngest son is very soft-spoken, and Steve was kind of making fun of his voice,” he recalled. “I’m sitting there… ‘Don’t show that you’re getting annoyed. I will knock him out.'”
Hollywood is full of dynasties — from the Barrymores to the Smiths. And now, there’s another family quietly stepping into the limelight: the Hudsons. With Ernie Hudson taking over for Tom Selleck on Blue Bloods, fans are curious about more than just his acting chops. They want to know: Who are Ernie Hudson’s sons? And surprise — one of them is a famous musician you might already be listening to.
Let’s dive into the life of Ernie Hudson and his incredible four sons, each of whom is charting his own unique path while carrying the family legacy forward.
Who Is Ernie Hudson? A Quick Refresher
You probably know Ernie Hudson best from his iconic role as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters, but his resume runs deep. With roles in Oz, The Crow, Grace and Frankie, and now Blue Bloods, Hudson has become one of those actors who seems to elevate everything he touches.
Ernie’s Latest Role: Filling Big Shoes on Blue Bloods
With Tom Selleck’s departure from the long-running CBS drama Blue Bloods, producers brought in Hudson as a powerful new presence to fill the void. His experience, gravitas, and undeniable charisma make him a natural fit — but the story doesn’t stop there.
Meet the Hudson Boys: A Modern Legacy in the Making
How Many Kids Does Ernie Hudson Have?
Ernie Hudson has four sons — two from his first marriage and two from his current wife. What’s fascinating? Each one of them is carving his own way, and none are riding solely on dad’s Hollywood coattails.
Ernie Hudson Jr. — Following Dad’s Footsteps
From Acting to Writing, He’s Doing It All
Ernie Hudson Jr. is the oldest son, and like his father, he’s spent time in front of the camera. With appearances in TV shows and indie films, Ernie Jr. has shown he’s more than just the son of a star. He’s also a screenwriter, flexing creative muscles behind the scenes.
A Familiar Face with a Unique Voice
Though he shares his father’s name, Ernie Jr. brings his own perspective to the industry. He’s often praised for his work ethic and has written for both television and stage.
Rahaman Hudson — The Educator and Leader
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Rahaman Hudson has taken a different path — one that’s far from Hollywood’s bright lights. He’s worked in education and community service, proving that influence isn’t just about fame.
A Quiet Force for Good
Known for his commitment to social causes, Rahaman’s work often flies under the radar but makes a real difference. He’s involved in mentoring programs and youth outreach, embodying the values Ernie raised his sons with.
Ross Hudson — The Private One
A Life Away from Cameras
Ross Hudson is the most private of the Hudson sons. Little is publicly known about him — and that’s how he likes it. While he occasionally appears in family photos, he keeps a low profile, choosing to focus on personal pursuits outside of the media circus.
Rondé Hudson — The Musician You Probably Know
The Star You Didn’t Know Was a Hudson
Here’s where things get spicy. Rondé Hudson is better known in the music world, and while he may not go by the family name publicly, fans have started connecting the dots. As a producer and performer, Rondé has collaborated with big-name artists and performed on major stages.
A Unique Sound with Hollywood DNA
Whether it’s soulful R&B, slick hip-hop production, or genre-bending fusion, Rondé’s work stands out. Critics describe his music as “emotionally charged and sonically layered.” And yes, he’s got that on-stage magnetism that clearly runs in the bloodline.
What It’s Like Growing Up with Ernie Hudson as a Dad
Lessons from a Hollywood Veteran
Despite his fame, Ernie Hudson made sure his sons stayed grounded. In interviews, he often shares how important education, discipline, and kindness were in his household. He wasn’t just a movie star — he was Dad first.
The Hudson Household: Fame Meets Family Values
Balancing Fame and Normalcy
The Hudson kids weren’t raised on movie sets. Instead, they had a mix of Hollywood glamour and old-school parenting. Ernie and his wife made sure their boys grew up with a strong sense of identity — and that shows in how well-adjusted each of them is.
Are the Hudson Sons Close?
A Brotherhood Beyond Blood
By all accounts, the Hudson boys are tight. They support each other’s ventures and appear together at events. When Rondé released a new EP, the whole family celebrated it on social media. That kind of love and support? It’s not just for show.
Ernie Hudson’s Legacy — On-Screen and Off
More Than Just an Actor
Sure, Ernie’s acting career spans decades, but his most lasting legacy may be his role as a father. He’s built a family that mirrors the same depth and diversity he’s brought to his characters.
What’s Next for the Hudsons?
The Future Looks Bright
With Ernie’s Blue Bloods role gaining steam and Rondé’s music making waves, this family isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Whether it’s film, education, or music, there’s a Hudson making a mark.
Final Thoughts — The Real Blue Bloods
Ernie Hudson stepping into Blue Bloods might be the headline — but the real story? It’s the blue blood running through the Hudson family. A talented, tight-knit crew of sons making waves in their own lanes. And as fans, we’re lucky to watch it unfold.
