GHOSTBUSTERS Actor Ernie Hudson Reveals Details About His Character Winston Zeddemore's Backstory
Actor Ernie Hudson’s character Winston Zeddemore has been around since the first Ghostbusters movie back in 1984.
We were introduced to Winston when he walked into the iconic Ghostbusters firehouse in NYC looking for a job. He was interviewed by Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) and then swiftly offered a position by Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd). The rest is history, but we never knew much about Winston before he was hired by the ghost busting team.
In a recent interview with CinemaBlend, Hudson shed a little light on his character’s backstory, explaining: “Well, when we first did the original movie, there was a whole section of Winston having been in the Air Force, been [a] demolitions expert.
“He came in, and part of his whole introduction was sharing that history [, which] never made it to the film. But Winston, you know, I think he was more than qualified for the job of ghostbusting. And, but, you know, sometimes, certainly in the African American community, you may be qualified, but that doesn't necessarily mean you’re gonna get the job. So, at that point in Winston's life, he's just looking for a steady paycheck, like he says so well in the movie.”
He went on to talk about where the character is now, and how happy he is with how far he’s come: “But what was important for me, and thankfully, Sony, and [director/producer] Jason Reitman felt the same way, that it was important for him to, 40 years later, not be still looking for a job.
“It was important to me that he be an example of what's possible, I think in Afterlife, he mentioned that I want to be an example of what was possible. … He's managed to, you know, have a family. He does have a family we don't get introduced to in this movie, and he's been, you know, socially responsible and responsible to his community to not have forgotten where he [came] from.
“And I think a large part of what Ghostbusters is that part of them that still appreciates the fact that these guys were there for him at a time when he really needed it. When he came into that [firehouse], he really needed a job and didn't believe whatever these crazy people were doing.
“But he became a believer, and I think he feels a certain loyalty and dedication to them. I think he's still paying Ray’s rent. But he's just one of those people.”
These days, the veteran Ghostbuster is now the head of Zeddemore Industries, a global enterprise that he started after he retired from ghost busting.
The end of Afterlife saw Winston purchase the old firehouse as part of his effort to re-establish the eponymous group. And by Frozen Empire, he’s established the Paranormal Research Center.
Needless to say, he’s no longer a man in need of a job but, as Ernie Hudson further explained, there’s one aspect of the character that has not changed: “What I really appreciated, for me, is the fact that he's been successful and still held on to his humanity. Because [there are] so many examples.
“You know, the guy who was ruthless, he's hard, he does these awful things – be it in the streets or in the boardroom – that goes against humanity. And I like the fact that Winston, hopefully, is an example of what's possible and still hold on to what's important, and your humanity, your community.
“And, unfortunately, we haven't seen a lot of that in the movies. But, if the franchise moves forward, I'd like to see, you know, just more of that, as well. … And I look at my own life, I go, ‘You know what? I've been very, very blessed.’
“I haven’t had to do or even consider some things that I've heard other people doing. … There is a God and there is, in my mind at least, and you know, we can live a good life. That's what I hope Winston represents of humanity.”
I love the character of Winston Zeddemore, and I’m glad Ernie Hudson is happy with the full arc he’s been able to see him take.
Winston is a good guy, and a badass Ghostbuster, and I look forward to seeing him in another movie, if that’s what’s in the cards for this franchise.