At 78, actor Ernie Hudson shows us what living a vibrant life can look like when we care for our bodies, minds, and souls. “It starts with loving yourself,” Hudson says. “Then, I think the primary thing is realizing you’re the steward of your body and health. The body will tell what it needs if you’re paying attention. But you have to quiet yourself and listen.” We talked to him about his health, why seniors should vaccinate themselves against RSV, his work, and pursuing joy.”
On His Health
While we admire Hudson’s sculpted physique, he does not spend every day in the gym. He has always been mindful of what he eats. “There never been a period when my weight has been out of control; I’ve always been conscious enough to rein it in before it got too far out of control,” he says.” Also, being an actor always made me aware of the image I wanted to maintain.”
But Black men, for example, are taught to be strong and brave. “We don’t need certain things; we can brave them on our own, which is very foolish,” Hudson says. “Things are going on with our bodies that we’re unaware of.
For example, I had prostate cancer diagnosed back in 1998. There are no signs. You feel pretty good until it happens. And if you don’t take care of it, you can die from it. For me, you have to be vigilant.”
Hudson pointed out that yearly checkups are essential. “It’s nice to have people in our lives to remind us to take care of ourselves,” he says. “Some people are afraid they will get news they don’t want to know; I want to know something is happening.”
 The Rated RSV Campaign
Most of us associate Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with babies and young children, but seniors are also a vulnerable population. “When Pfizer came to me and asked me to be part of this campaign and get the word out on RSV, I was very excited. Because one of the things I’ve become aware of is friends my age have not taken care of themselves,” Hudson notes.
“And I want to let people know that this is something most of us hadn’t heard of, that it’s out there, and we have to do what’s necessary to take care of ourselves.”
Senior citizens, 75 and older, are being impacted by it, but those 60 and older with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and COPD should also consider being vaccinated.
“The CDC says from 60,000 to 160,000 people might end up in the hospital because of this,” he says. “That was alarming and I wanted to get the word out along with getting a yearly checkup and taking care of yourself.”
Sixty Years of Work
Ernie Hudson has been acting for six decades. The first film he was in, “Leadbelly,” was directed by the legendary Gordon Parks. His list of credits includes, of course, “Ghostbusters” but also cultural groundbreaking series like “Oz” and current BET+ hit Carl Webber’s “The Family Business,” which has been running for five seasons.
“When I am onstage with another actor, bring your best. I’m going to bring my best,” Hudson says. “We’re going to have some fun. And if we have fun, the audience is going to have fun. But I’m not worried about them. Let’s dance.”
What Brings Him Joy
At 78, Ernie Hudson is letting go of life’s urgencies surrounding him. “Joy is knowing it is a beautiful day. I can sit in the sun, soak it in, and smile, and somebody will smile back at me,” he says. I am still on the plane of existence and can appreciate and give thanks for things around me. I can have a meal spread before me and take a bite. And that’s enough for me—to know that I am.”
For information on RSV and to schedule a vaccination, go to VaxAssist.com.
