The multifaceted Chicago-bred actor Erica Hubbard shares her inspiring journey and empowering the younger generation (Photos Provided).
Erica Hubbard‘s journey from the South Side of Chicago to Hollywood is one of resilience and passion. Growing up in a tough Southside neighborhood, Erica learned perseverance and tenacity, essential traits that helped her navigate a 30-year career in the entertainment Industry.
“Surviving my environment taught me how to push through adversity,” she said.
Hubbard attended several schools, including St. Ailbe (now St. Katharine Drexel Parish of Chicago) and Seton Academy, and graduated from Downers Grove North High School before pursuing journalism and performing arts at Columbia College. Though she was offered athletic scholarships, she chose to follow her passion for the performing arts instead.
At 16, she made the life-changing decision to leave home and change her guardianship to escape the violence in her neighborhood. “I had to do it for my future,” she shared.
Her aspiration to act began at a young age through modeling but was inspired by a friend on a Nickelodeon show. “I knew I wanted to be in the entertainment world,” Hubbard said, a vision she later realized when she moved to Los Angeles after college.
Erica’s story highlights the importance of purpose, making bold decisions and pursuing your ambitions. She recently shared her extraordinary journey with the Chicago Defender’s Marshelle Sanders.
Marshelle Sanders: How did your upbringing on the South Side of Chicago shape who you are today?
Erica Hubbard: Growing up on the South Side of Chicago shaped who I am today. The environment was tough, but it gave me the strength, tenacity, and perseverance to navigate the world. In LA, where the competition is fierce and you’re constantly auditioning and meeting new people, you need those qualities to survive.
The conditions in Chicago taught me to be resilient—if you can make it through Chicago, you can make it anywhere.
Sanders: You moved to LA, but what was your first step into acting? How did that all begin?
Hubbard: When I was younger, I did some modeling for Ford Models. My dad had a friend who worked in fashion, and they needed a model. I was scouted, and that got me into the world of modeling. But after a while, they noticed my extroverted personality and asked me to try out commercials. The director loved me, and my agents suggested I audition for TV and films. I booked some commercials, leading me to television roles, including “Lincoln Heights.”
Sanders: What has been your most memorable experience on set?
Hubbard: My most memorable experience was working on “Save the Last Dance” in 2001 here in Chicago. It was one of the first films to center around dance and became a classic. Working with many star castmates, such as Kerry Washington and Julia Stiles, was a dream come true.
Erica Hubbard on the set (Photo Provided).
Sanders: You currently have a reprising role as Ernestine on “The Family Business: New Orleans.” What’s the experience been like on that show, and what can we expect for the upcoming season?
Hubbard: Working on “The Family Business” has been an incredible experience, allowing me to take on roles I’ve never had the chance to play before. The opportunity to work alongside such talented individuals like David Banner, Lela Rochon, Pooch Hall and Brandon T. Jackson has been nothing short of amazing.
I truly feel like I’ve excelled in this role because it’s almost like I was answering a prayer. My mom always prayed for me to land another TV show, and when this role came along, it felt like a special gift from her. Unfortunately, my mom passed before she could see it, but I know she and my grandmother are watching over me from above. Our roots are in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, so filming in New Orleans felt like coming home. Playing Ernestine in a city tied to my heritage was a surreal experience that felt like a blessing from my mom and grandmother.
As for the next season, we’re diving into even more drama, and I’m thrilled for what’s to come.
Sanders: Let’s talk about your foundation—the Erica Hubbard Foundation. What inspired you to create it, and what is its mission?
Hubbard: I founded the Erica Hubbard Foundation in the early 2000s, inspired by my struggles with bullying, low self-esteem, and poverty. I wanted to create a space to give back and help others facing similar challenges. While filming “Lincoln Heights,” I received calls from community centers asking me to speak with at-risk youth. That was a turning point for me. Growing up around gang violence and poverty, I knew I didn’t want other kids to go through what I did. I started visiting places like Detroit and Georgia on weekends, speaking to kids about staying in school, overcoming bullying and building their future.
During this time, I realized the real impact I could have.
One of the most meaningful experiences was mentoring a young girl through a nonprofit called “A Place Called Home” and seeing her become the first in her family to attend college. That moment was everything. Since then, I’ve traveled nationwide, empowering students to focus on their future. To this day, I continue to give scholarships through my foundation, helping students who need it most.
Erica Hubbard with her young mentees whom she guides through her namesake foundation (Photo Provided).
Sanders: You’ve been such an inspiration to so many. Women’s History Month is here—what does it mean to you, and how do you celebrate the women who have influenced you?
Hubbard: Women’s History Month is very important. It’s a time to celebrate women’s strength and power, and I love how we come together to support each other. I’m part of a women’s retreat this year in Michigan, where we’ll celebrate with each other, share our success stories and motivate one another. I truly believe that we are unstoppable when women come together with good vibes and positive energy.
Women’s History Month is so important to me because it’s a time to recognize the incredible contributions of women throughout history. I’m celebrating it by participating in a retreat for women, especially mothers, in Michigan. We are so much stronger than we realize, and when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
Sanders: I agree, it’s amazing how much strength and unity women have when they support each other. Speaking of projects, do you have any upcoming work or events you’d like to share with us?
Hubbard: I’m excited about “The Deadly Type.” It’s a thriller film I’m working on with the incredibly talented Canadian actor Mark Taylor. It’s full of suspense and will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. I’m also focused on continuing to grow my career and take on new projects. At the same time, I’m deeply passionate about the Erica Hubbard Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting youth education and empowerment. I’m excited to keep making a difference in the community while exploring diverse acting roles. Ultimately, I want people to connect with my journey as an actor and a community advocate.
Sanders: What do you hope people take away from your work and legacy?
Hubbard: I hope people take away the message of perseverance. No matter what challenges life throws your way, keep pushing forward. Your attitude shapes your altitude—stay positive and focused, and you’ll reach heights you never thought possible.
Don’t let anyone limit you or put you in a box. The journey might not always be easy, but you’ll go far if you remain authentic and persistent. And never stop growing, whether as an artist or a person.
Each year, Hubbard continues to award scholarships, with the 2025 recipients set to be announced this summer. Be sure to follow The Erica Hubbard Foundation on Instagram for updates, and don’t miss “The Family Business: New Orleans”—all episodes are now streaming on BET Plus.
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