In his own right, during a 50-year career in the Film and Television Industry, Ernest became a leader, a dignitary and activist fighting for the rights of blacks in Hollywood. After joining the NAACP and serving as a Lifetime Member, Ernest received many awards from the NAACP, recognizing his dedication, resilience and accomplishments in the History of Television and Film, including the NAACP President's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.In 1960, Ernest was introduced to Hollywood's "Silver Screen" where he became a noted Stuntman and Actor and became one of the founding members of the "Black Stuntmen's Association" as well as a Pioneer Black Stuntmen. During his tenure with the Black Stuntmen's Association, Ernest put not only his talent on the front line but also his heart. He began fighting for equal rights and equal pay for African American Stunt Performers and Black Actors, alongside notable actors such as Bill Cosby, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte and others.Ernest served as Founding President of the Black Stuntmen's Association, and he began to gain substantial success by working beside A-List Actors as one of the industry's first Black Stunt Coordinators, while serving as a Stunt Double for Richard Prior, Bill Cosby and eventually landing the role as the series stunt double for Philip Michael Thomas on the hit TV show "Miami Vice". Ernie also worked on the iconic film "Dirty Harry", starring Clint Eastwood. Show less «