Chicago native Erica Hubbard is an award-winning television, film, and stage actress who has been blazing her path in Hollywood since her late teens.
Some of her extensive screen credits include films such as Save The Last Dance, The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants, Akeelah and The Bee, and A Cinderella Story. You’ve also probably caught her on television starring on a number of shows, including Let’s Stay Together, Lincoln Heights, ER, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Most recently, the Columbia College Chicago graduate has turned her focus to writing and producing for both film and television. She has produced a number of projects, such as Perfectly Single, Black Coffee, Professor Mack, and The Last Fall, which screened to rave reviews at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival and was directed by Academy-Award Winner Matthew Cherry.
N’DIGO recently caught up with the multi-talented, multi-hyphenate renaissance woman to learn more about her influences, how she juggles all her responsibilities, and her hot new movie, My Perfect Wedding streaming on BET + and Prime Video.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Erica Hubbard?
Erica Hubbard: I am an inspirational person who tries my best to encourage and inspire people through my perseverance and determination to keep doing good things working in my career as an actress & mentor with my 501(c)3 non-profit for at-risk youth.
Who have been some of your influences along the way and throughout your career?
The influences (that prompted me to take my acting career seriously) were all my professors at Columbia College in the Theater Department as well as (famed actor and former Theater Dept. Chairman) Sheldon Patinkin! I enjoy being an artist to relay the trials and tribulations of life and connect with human beings through our life experiences on-stage and on-screen. As far as acting influences, I am inspired by great artists who take their craft seriously, such as Viola Davis, Sally Field, Hilary Swank, Charlize Theron, Angela Bassett, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Tilda Swinton, Oprah, Jodie Foster, Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Berry, Dame Helen Mirren, and others.
The business isn’t easy. However, being a working actor is an accomplishment in itself. Was there an “a-ha” moment for you when you knew that you’d be able to make a living doing this?
I have been working in SAG/AFTRA since the 90s and was lucky to enter the entertainment industry early and work with creatives at a very young age. Filming Save, The Last Dance was probably my first “a-ha” moment, but so was A Cinderella Story, Lincoln Heights, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and definitely Akeelah and the Bee. I also kept getting booked for season finales of popular shows such as CSI: Miami, Cold Case, Everybody Hates Chris, and NBC‘s Chicago Med. This journey has been filled with a-ha moments, and I love it. Booking Perfectly Single was a great a-ha moment.
What can you tell us about your latest project, “My Perfect Wedding”?
I am so excited to be a lead in this movie. My Perfect Wedding tells the story of a young woman named Trisha trying to figure out what makes a perfect companion to fall in love with and marry. It’s such a feel-good movie. As a person of color, we usually don’t get to see ourselves getting married on-screen too frequently. I’m thankful to have produced a film that eloquently shows Black love. Big shoutout to Greg Alan Williams, who directed the film.
In addition to the movie, you’ve also stepped into your producer’s shoes. Can you talk a bit about producing films and what goes into it?
There are so many types of producers. I perform many duties such as scheduling, overseeing the talent attachment, seeking financing or contributing to the budget, crewing-up, location scouting, and more. Early in my career, one of the very first projects I invested in was The Last Fall, directed by (Academy Award Winner) Matthew Cherry, also from Chicago. Seeing that project come to fruition has been extremely rewarding. I just recently joined the Producers Guild of America and am elated to be among peers who are astounding creatives and excited for my producing future!
Some may not know, but there are big differences in acting for film and television. As someone with a lot of experience in both, can you talk a little about those distinctions and how you manage them?
Film and Television definitely have different flows and rhythms. Sometimes just, the number of cameras used for the shoot can vary depending on the project type. The spacing of the actors can differ between film and TV. Most times, things are kind of closer up and tight on television. But even whether it’s a drama or comedy and what camera angle is utilized can make a difference. I personally like to know how “the world” is set up and what’s the framing especially if it’s a big scene that needs coverage. However, every project has a tone or feel, and the actors have to be responsible and decide their cadence for that particular production.
Please also tell us about your children’s book series You, She, Her, Him, and I: Together Forever. Do you plan to venture further into the literary world?
The series follows a girl named Justina and her four friends Suzy, Sara Lynn, Shara, and Omar, in her neighborhood, describing the group’s daily activities over their summer break. The books encourage and promote healthy friendships and lifestyles with fun examples that kids can relate to. Writing a book for children had long been my dream, and I was so happy to finally get a chance to do it. Especially since my own kids enjoyed them. I was even more elated this year to be a World Literary Foundation Nominee for the series.
What are some of the things you’ve been able to do with your non-profit, The Erica Hubbard Foundation?
Through the foundation, I have been able to travel the country mentoring youth and empowering them to take charge of their lives. Developing self-esteem and self-awareness are a couple of the things we focus on. The foundation is also extremely proud to have recently given our fourth annual scholarship to a student entering college with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
How do you find the time and balance to juggle all your projects along with everything that comes with life?
Time management skills are something I read about a lot, along with emotional intelligence. I keep in mind to write a weekly schedule and try not to feel overwhelmed. It’s important for me to have days to relax where I pamper myself to relieve any stress and exercise. But I must admit, I do love and have a knack for multitasking. The entertainment business is rewarding if you don’t give up, and I am grateful for a very supportive group of individuals that help propel my career. I am surrounded by a loving family that cheers for me, reliable and loyal friends who are optimistic, a church family who keep me in prayer, and great agents, managers, publicists and social media fans who love and support me and my work.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised that I was an athlete who ran the 100, 200 & 400. Also, I was a high jumper and received a Track & Field scholarship for college, but I turned it down and pursued an acting career while majoring in Journalism and minoring in Theater.
Best advice to aspiring actors?
Don’t wait on anyone. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing those roles you’ve always dreamed of but also creating your own. Make your own shorts, films, and reels, and work on stage. Also, always be honing your skills.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Life isn’t about what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters,” and “Stay optimistic!”
What’s next for Erica Hubbard?
In 2023, I will be in an action-packed thriller, The Assistant, which I am very excited about. I also wrote a film called Holiday Mistletoe that will begin production in the coming months as well. However, one of my long-term goals is to win an Oscar and celebrate with my peers to the fullest!
Catch Erica in her latest film, My Perfect Wedding, currently streaming on BET + & Prime Video.
For more information on The Erica Hubbard Foundation, please visit www.theericahubbardfoundation.com. Feel free to connect with Erica on her social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter.
