Fans were first introduced to the Ghostbusters when the first movie hit theaters in 1984. The franchise experienced a resurgence decades later with the release of legacy sequels, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, in 2021 and 2024 respectively.

Ernie Hudson, who played Winston Zeddemore in all four sequels, recently reflected on the legacy of Harold Ramis, who starred in and co-wrote the first two movies with Dan Aykroyd. “Harold, for me, was always the glue that sort of held things together, because when you’re working on a show with such dynamic personalities that don’t always come together,” the actor told The Direct. “But Harold was a guy that everyone respected enough to put aside their own stuff and get the job done. So, he was always a go-to guy when things were a little nuts.”

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Hudson also talked about the gap between 1989’s Ghostbusters II and how he believed there would never be a third movie in the original continuity. “I didn’t think we’d ever do another Ghostbusters. I kind of figured that was never going to happen. And then [director] Jason Reitman, Ivan Reitman’s son, they pulled it together,” the actor recalled. When he heard about the third film, Hudson was unsure about reprising his role just for the sake of making a quick buck.

Hudson Was Initially Unsure About Ghostbusters: Afterlife

“I didn’t want to do another [Ghostbusters movie] just to do to make some money,” Hudson explained. “I wanted to do something that was unique. And when first we read the script, and loved it. And I think when we got on set my first day, and I saw Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd in their jumpsuits, you know… This thing’s been a part of my life, more than half of my life has been Ghostbusters. In my 40 years, it was very, very emotional.”

Hudson also touched on his relationship with his co-stars and the tribute to Ramis in Afterlife. “These are people I consider friends, but I don’t see on a regular basis. It’s just wonderful,” he said. “And then the way they put together the tribute to Harold. I couldn’t have imagined it, but it was just wonderful and very touching. And I really, I really appreciate it, because I know just how important Harold was to this, and he just had a way. I mean, Danny and Bill and everybody made their contribution.”

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“Harold was truly special and a very, very talented man,” Hudson continued. “And even to this day, I mean, people still come up and, you know, just appreciated what he brought to the entertainment industry, film industry in general, a very, very talented, but a very generous human being. So amazing, yeah, and I loved Afterlife. And then I thought, well, maybe we’re done, and I don’t want to do it unless it’s something special, different, right?”

The first Ghostbusters movie follows three eccentric scientists – Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Ramis) – who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. As paranormal activity rises, they hire Winston Zeddemore (Hudson) to help battle the supernatural. When musician Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) and her neighbor Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) become possessed by demons serving Gozer, an ancient god, the team must fight to save their city.

Ghostbusters (1984) is streaming on Max.

Source: The Direct

Ghostbusters

Created by

Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis

Latest Film

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

First TV Show

The Real Ghostbusters

Cast

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Finn Wolfhard, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon