Beloved Hollywood actor Ernie Hudson has left fans utterly astonished after candidly discussing his age and revealing the rigorous daily exercise regimen that keeps him looking remarkably youthful. The Ghostbusters icon, best known for playing Dr. Winston Zeddemore, appeared on the Today show and shared that he maintains his svelte physique by performing at least one hundred push-ups every single day.
A Commitment to Consistency
Speaking with co-host Craig Melvin, Hudson emphasised the critical importance of consistency in his fitness approach. He detailed how his routine begins first thing in the morning and continues throughout the day.
'When I get up, I like to do a set of push ups first thing, and throughout the day, by the end of the day I should have done at least 100 push ups,' the actor explained. While he noted that he does not frequent a gym, he incorporates a variety of bodyweight exercises to stay in peak condition.
Beyond Push-Ups: A Holistic Approach
Hudson's fitness philosophy extends beyond his famous push-up count. He described incorporating squats to stimulate blood flow in his legs and holding planks to build core strength. His focus, however, has evolved with age.
'I think at this age, it's more important to just be flexible, to be able to present well,' Hudson added, reflecting on his motivations. He shared a poignant moment that fuels his dedication, stating, 'I was working with a good friend who was on a walker, and I want to avoid that as long as I can. Aging is inevitable, but in the meantime, let me do what I can.'
Fan Reaction: Disbelief and Admiration
Viewers of the interview were left in disbelief upon learning Hudson is 80 years old, with many rushing to social media to express their amazement at his vibrant appearance. On the show's official Instagram page, a flood of comments praised the actor.
- One fan exclaimed, 'He looks amazing. Wow!'
- Another highlighted, 'Consistency is the key! He looks magnificent. Keep it up brother.'
- A third viewer remarked, 'Don't look a day over 50,' while a fourth simply stated, 'Wow, 80 years old looks amazing!'
- Yet another agreed, writing, '80 where? He doesn't look a day over 50.'
A Storied Career and Lasting Legacy
Born on December 17, 1945, Ernie Hudson shot to international fame with his role in the 1984 supernatural comedy classic Ghostbusters, starring alongside Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Annie Potts, and William Atherton. He recently reprised the beloved role of Winston Zeddemore in the 2021 sequel Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the 2024 film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
His extensive filmography also includes notable parts in Leviathan (1989), The Crow (1994), Airheads (1994), Miss Congeniality (2000), and The Ron Clark Story (2006). More recently, he appeared on The Masked Singer in 2025 and featured in seven episodes of the police drama Boston Blue.
Personal Life and Family
Off-screen, Hudson has been married to Linda Kingsberg for an impressive forty-one years, and the couple share two children. The actor also has two children from his previous marriage to Jeannie Moore, whom he has described as marrying when they were 'just kids.' His dedication to family mirrors the commitment he shows to his health and craft, painting a picture of a disciplined and fulfilled life.
Ernie Hudson's revelation serves as a powerful testament to the benefits of a consistent, manageable fitness routine, proving that vitality and a youthful demeanour can be maintained well into one's later years through simple, daily discipline.
