Charlie Wilson had the best birthday ever this year. The iconic septuagenarian who turned 71 years young was inducted into the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and he made an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show where he became the daytime talk show’s latest Legend Series honoree.
Before Jennifer Hudson could give Uncle Charlie his flowers and accolades, he gave her props on her show. He admitted to being a regular viewer since day one and complimented her on how well she’s been doing in her new role. “Baby, you busting ’em up,” he said in the most Uncle Charlie way, and JHud ate it up.
During Wilson’s interview, he expressed how thankful he is to still be here doing what he loves. “I’m living my best life now. It’s amazing. I’ve been through a lot – a whole lot – but I’m still standing tall,” he said, referencing his past struggles, which he also discussed. He thanked God and his support system for sustaining him, and Jennifer rightfully called him a “walking testimony.”
Hudson showed Wilson love for his solo career, but she made sure to ask about his original group The Gap Band. Charlie reminisced about how he and his brothers formed the group, and he shared the origin story of their name. He was also asked about some of his musical influences, and he named Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Sly and The Family Stone and Donny Hathaway, who he recalled a personal story about the first time that they met.
As their conversation tapered off, JHud bestowed the Legend Award on Uncle Charlie and presented him with the golden trophy. She also surprised him with a birthday cake and got the audience to join her in singing “Happy Birthday.”
After the interview and award presentation, Jennifer Hudson couldn’t let Charlie Wilson leave without singing a little something something. He happily obliged with a medley of his current single “Superman” and The Gap Band’s feel-good classic “Outstanding,” which everyone up out of their seats and singing along. Charlie even worked “JHud” into the song and made the EGOT’s day.
In case you missed this episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, you’re in luck because you can watch Charlie Wilson get the Legend Series treatment and his electrifying performance right here.
