Born and raised on Chicago’s south side, actress and producer Erica Hubbard got her start in the entertainment world while still a preteen doing voice-overs and commercials for several well-known companies including McDonald’s, Noxzema, Reebok and Sears.
Now with more than two decades of work under her belt including films like Akeelah and The Bee and The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants, as well as television shows such as Chicago Med, CSI: Miami,and Let’s Stay Together, Hubbard is gearing up for her latest project as she joins the cast of the upcoming BET+ crime drama, The Family Business: New Orleans created by famed author Carl Weber.
It’s a project the actress says she is excited to participate in. “Getting to work on this project has been such a blessing Hubbard told N’DIGO. “Not only did I have fun working with the amazing cast and crew, but my character Ernestine is very dear to me for several reasons. I can’t wait for everyone to see!”
N’DIGO sat down with the veteran actress to learn about her acting inspirations, future projects, and her special connection to her character, Ernestine, on The Family Business: New Orleans.
N’DIGO: What are three words those closest to you would use to describe you?
Erica Hubbard: Creative. Energetic. Hard worker.
Did you have dreams of being something besides an actress growing up?
Growing up I knew if I didn’t become an actress I would want to be a news anchor. I went to Columbia College Chicago and graduated with a minor in Theater and a major in Journalism. After I earned my Bachelor’s Degree, I was chosen to host a children’s morning talk show called Up ‘N Running, in which the late-great President Jimmy Carter honored my work and presented me with a “Service To America” Award. I also earned a regional “Emmy” Award for hosting the series.
Who was the first actor to grab your attention and resonate deeply with you as a kid?
It was Denzel Washington for me. He is masterful and the epitome of a versatile actor. His range is amazing and his work ethic is outstanding.
Please tell us a little about your latest project, The Family Business: New Orleans, and your character Ernestine.
I am very excited to portray Ernestine, who is a fortune teller on The Family Business: New Orleans. My mother’s family is from Louisiana and my grandmother was born in Baton Rouge so I am happy to say as a Creole woman I was thrilled to film in NOLA! I remember picking sugar cane in the fields with my grandmother and she kept saying to me that my family roots are in Louisiana and don’t I ever forget that!
Favorite movie of all time?
Shawshank Redemption.
Favorite actor whose projects you never miss?
Viola Davis is one of my favorite actresses. She is someone else with range and work ethic that moves me. I had the honor of her acknowledging a short film called Policies and Procedures that I wrote and directed and I can’t tell you how elated that made me.
What do you do to maintain your mental health and/or indulge in self-care?
My go-to methods are listening to zen music, traveling, reading self-care books, exercising, journaling, and praying. I recently completed a course at Yale University and received my certification from taking the class, The Science of Wellness.
Best acting advice you have been given?
The best advice I have ever been given as an actress and producer is to find professional mentors in the entertainment industry unions and gain their knowledge.
Do you have a golden rule for longevity in the business?
To stay focused and determined because show business is a rollercoaster. You have to be tough and tenacious. Also, keep consistently creating your projects in addition to collaborating on other people’s projects.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
Your positive attitude will determine your future success.
Any future projects or things to look out for that you can tell us about?
I have a couple of projects on the way. A suspense thriller film called The Deadly Type will be released soon.
I am grateful to have been cast on-screen opposite of Canadian film and TV star Mark Taylor. The film is extremely suspenseful and has a crazy surprise ending that I hope everyone enjoys.
I am beyond excited to release an e-book, Answering The Call (Daily Meditations) that will be available soon!
Catch Erica in the January 23rd series premiere of Carl Weber’s The Family Business: New Orleans on BET+ and connect with Erica on Instagram – @1EricaHubbard
