The Crow’s Ernie Hudson Recalls Friendship With Brandon Lee And The Emotional Conversation They Had Right Before His Death

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The Crow's Ernie Hudson Recalls Friendship With Brandon Lee And The Emotional Conversation They Had Right Before His Death

As a gamer and film enthusiast who grew up in the ’90s, I hold a special place in my heart for the iconic movie “The Crow.” The tragic death of Brandon Lee during its production is a sad reminder of what could have been for this promising young actor. I was deeply saddened when I first heard the news of his untimely demise on the set, but the memories of his incredible performance as Eric Draven live on.

I can’t help but feel deeply saddened when I reflect on the untimely demise of Brandon Lee on the set of “The Crow.” As a huge fan, it’s heartbreaking to think that this talented young actor and son of the legendary Bruce Lee was on the brink of stardom while filming this beloved 1994 production. Tragically, his life was cut short due to an unfortunate accident involving a malfunctioning firearm during production. It’s still hard to comprehend that such a horrific event occurred, but Brandon continues to live on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know him during his time in Hollywood.

Ernie Hudson shared some valuable insights about his connection with Brandon Lee during an interview on the Power Up With Tony Horton YouTube channel. In “The Crow,” Hudson portrays Sergeant Daryl Albrecht while Brandon Lee plays Eric Draven. Reflecting on their relationship, Hudson recounted how they initially met. Before the upcoming “Crow” remake featuring Bill Skarsgård, Hudson discussed this nostalgic tale.

In my opinion, Brandon Lee embodied the character of The Crow. I had the pleasure of meeting him approximately eight years before we worked together on the movie. At that time, I was filming a series in Vancouver. Miguel Ferrer and Brandon were close friends, and Brandon visited us for a few days. During this time, I got to know him well. When The Crow project came along, Brandon asked me to join the cast. Brandon was truly unique; he had a special talent for making people feel included.

As a huge fan of Ernie Hudson, I can tell you that unlike some Hollywood stars who retreat to their trailers during filming and keep to themselves, Ernie shared that Brandon Lee didn’t follow that pattern. Instead, Brandon actively engaged with his co-stars and the crew between takes.

In an interview, the actor from “Ghostbusters” shared the moving tale of his conversation with Brandon Lee, which took place when Hudson was grieving a personal loss and wrestling with doubts about his professional path. During this time, Lee extended more than just kindness towards Hudson; he also provided him with uplifting words that boosted his confidence.

One time, my wife’s brother unexpectedly passed away while we were living in North Carolina. We had to make a sudden trip to Minneapolis for the funeral. My wife was heartbroken, but during one of our dinners with Brandon, he made an effort to console her. He was genuinely kind and supportive. During our conversation, I shared my feelings of being stuck in my current situation. I had been trying everything I knew to do, but it felt like I wasn’t making progress. Brandon listened intently and then encouraged me, “Ernie, just hold on.” He went on to share his own successes – a three-picture deal, a wedding, a new house. Life was good for him, and he believed that the same would happen for me. He urged me to keep going, assuring me that I too would reach similar milestones in life.

Continuing, Ernie Hudson recalled how he first heard the devastating news that Brandon Lee was dead. He said that his initial instinct was to not finish the film without the lead, he is ultimately happy that the movie was finished because he believes that Lee would be proud of the work. Said Hudson,

The following day, we boarded a plane to Minnesota. As I stepped inside our home, my phone rang with tragic news – he had passed away. I was taken aback, almost in disbelief. The age-old adage rings true: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” It was a sobering moment, and I hesitated to return to the movie set. However, looking back, I’m grateful we finished the project. His talent was unparalleled, and I have no doubt that he would have reached great heights as a star had he lived longer.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking out “The Crow,” a popular film from the 1990s. It’s definitely worth watching before delving into any upcoming remakes. You can rent or buy the digital version, or if you’re a collector of physical media, purchase the 4K UHD version. At the moment, it’s also possible to stream the movie with a Paramount+ subscription.

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2024-07-24 04:37