Ernie Hudson Talks About His New Film, Doonby

Film and television star Ernie Hudson talks about his blessed journey and his upcoming film Doonby, co-starring John Schneider, which reminds us of the impact of a single life.

Ernie Hudson in Ghostbusters

Ernie Hudson is perhaps best known for his comedic role in the Ghostbusters franchise and, for today’s teenagers, as Lauren’s psychiatrist dad on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. But for film and television connoisseurs, he is an actor who manages to slip into the skin of a character and bring it to life, whether that be a police detective on Desperate Housewives or a prison warden in Oz.

In his most recent role in the film Doonby, Hudson plays Leroy, a blues musician with a heart of gold. He settles down with the woman of his dreams and opens a bar for her where he recruits musicians to play in a sleepy Texan town. Filmed in Smithville, Texas, the film takes on a mystical aura when a drifter, Sam Doonby, comes to town. Doonby as played by John Schneider is unusually lucky and as the town’s fortunes change, he remains untouched, causing suspicions to arise. But it is only once Doonby is gone that the real mystery surfaces and the film looks at the power of one life to impact everyone else around him.

Compared to the revered film It’s a Wonderful Life, Doonby is perhaps the flip-side of that story. It is not about showing how one person sees the impact he has on the lives around him, but instead it focuses on those whose lives were impacted and how they recognize the value of that one life.

In Leroy’s case, he simply wants to give his wife, Rose, the life she deserves and he wants to give others a chance at happiness too. Leroy is a dreamer. He wants to play the saxophone and share the goodness that life has blessed him with. Thus, it is no surprise that he befriends Doonby and gives him a chance.

Doonby is a story about relationships: how we impact others’ lives in ways that we do not know, how we connect to one another, and how we influence each other. While Leroy will ultimately question the choices he has made, his capacity to open his heart and welcome others is what makes him a rich man. The film is all about the emotional journey that we all ultimately go through wondering at the value of our lives and if we will leave an impact on others too.

Like his character, Hudson wants to make a difference. He wants to share his advice and encouragement with those looking to make a difference in this world.

The cast of Doonby on set

Throughout his life, Hudson gained some special insights on what makes a blessed life. He was taught at a young age to “do it anyway and the Lord will bless you.” While this is a tough lesson for a young boy cleaning church every Sunday, it is a lesson that has carried over into Hudson’s life. He has learned that if he does tough things anyway, he will be blessed for his efforts. It is all about what you put into it. Hudson finds this is true for both his career and his life — it is all about the journey and not just the destination.

Each role has provided unique opportunities to learn and Hudson appreciates all of them. He has learned to accept and appreciate everything that has been given to him and all of life’s blessings. He feels it is important that each of us take this moment and enjoy what we have.

Because he has been so inordinately blessed, Hudson also feels it is important to give back when he can. He has been invited to speak before the National Criminal Justice Association and the National Mentoring Children of Prisoners Annual Conference. Both provided wonderful opportunities to share what he has learned and to be a role model for the younger generation. It is that positive impact that he seeks and wishes to promote. For him, that is the most fulfilling and rewarding aspect of what he does. After all, life is a wonderful adventure and sharing that adventure with others makes it worthwhile.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the mystery thriller Doonby which will be released this Fall in theaters. Doonby was written and directed by British filmmaker Peter Mackenzie, and stars John Schneider, Ernie Hudson, Jenn Gotzon, Joe Estevez, Robert Davi and Jennifer O’Neil. For more information about Doonby, visit http://www.doonbythemovie.com.