Photo Credit: FOX/Getty Images
Actor Geoffrey Owens is best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show is getting slammed after a fan recently spotted and photographed him working the register at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey.
The fan photo has since gone viral, and many people and media outlets, including FOX News, have openly job-shamed the actor for taking on honest work.
Though it’s been 26 years since his role on The Cosby Show, the Brooklyn-bred actor has taken on a number of film and TV gigs over the years. But the one thing people (inside and outside of Hollywood) seem to forget is that when the cameras aren’t rolling, neither is the money.
ABC News reports Owens “started working at Trader Joe’s out of necessity, and the store gave him the flexibility to go on auditions and taking acting jobs while still working there,” and was “devastated” after the picture first surfaced.
But after sitting down with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America this morning (Sept. 4) – rocking his Trader Joe’s name tag – Owens says, “I feel like I’m more of a celebrity now then I’ve ever been. I’m more of a celebrity now then when I was actually a celebrity.”
During the interview, Roberts points out that “so many people” and “fellow actors” have rallied behind Owens and his story. Many have called the actor “honest,” “honorable,” and “smart,” and encouraged him to hold his head high as he works to make ends meet for his family. Tyler Perry went as far as offering him a job on the new season OWN’s “No. 1 drama next week.”
“#GeoffreyOwens I’m about to start shootings OWN’s number one drama next week! Come join us!!! I have so much respect for people who hustle between gigs. The measure of a true artist,” Perry recently tweeted.
For those who don’t know, Geoffrey Owens has two projects in post-production – Impossible Monsters and Fizzle – and will continue to wear his Trader Joe’s badge with pride.
The love and respect for this man runneth over!
#NOSHAME in good, honest, hard work. He’s being a man in doing what he needs to do to provide for himself and his family. Much respect to you Sir! https://t.co/rQoNdnj6bd
— Blair Underwood (@BlairUnderwood) September 2, 2018
I worked in a Wetherspoons kitchen after being in Harry Potter. I needed a job, no shame in that. And you know what? I really enjoyed it! You do what you need to do and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. https://t.co/1RI8sltHMe
— Chris Rankin (@chrisrankin) September 1, 2018
#GeoffreyOwens I’m about to start shootings OWN’s number one drama next week! Come join us!!! I have so much respect for people who hustle between gigs. The measure of a true artist.
— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) September 4, 2018
I swept floors AFTER the @NFL. If need be, I’d do it again. Good honest work is nothing to be ashamed of. https://t.co/8mseCpaIqz
— terry crews (@terrycrews) September 2, 2018
Again, why is this news? When I worked on “Thirtysomething” I was also summarizing depositions to pay my rent. Why are you trying to humiliate this honorable, hardworking actor? Shame on you! #geoffreyowens – many great blessings are coming your way! https://t.co/8tgvW3iixr
— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) September 2, 2018
When I look at this picture of Geoffrey Owens, the only things that come to my mind are courage, humility and dedication. Very few artists, especially actors, can fully support themselves in their craft. Taking honest, hard work to offset those dry periods is honorable. pic.twitter.com/tql80NegJt
— Aharon Rabinowitz (@ABAOProductions) September 2, 2018
my career and doing LITERALLY anything else. That headline should read “Geoffrey Owens: Smartest Man Alive.” For what it’s worth – I wrapped filming on a movie this week and tomorrow I’m sanding drywall. Come at me @FoxNews
— Paul Campbell (@ThePaulCampbell) September 2, 2018
I don’t know #GeoffreyOwens
I know this –
Almost every successful actor, singer, athlete or celebrity, is one lucky (unlucky) break away from bagging groceries themselves.
Few would admit it.
Fewer humble enough to do it.#RealLife > #FakeLife#TraderJoes > #CosbyShow
— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) September 2, 2018