‘Cosby Show’ star speaks out after being ‘job-shamed’ while working at Trader Joe’s: ‘It’s heartbreaking’
Former “Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens has spoken out about the “job shaming” he says he experienced after photos of him working at Trader Joe’s were posted on Twitter.
“I am truly devastated, but the period of devastation is so short,” Owens said on “Good Morning America” while wearing his Trader Joe’s name tag. “My wife and I started reading these responses from all over the world. Luckily, the embarrassing part didn’t last long.”
Owens appeared on “The Cosby Show” from 1985 to 1992, but recently made headlines after being photographed bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s where he currently works.
Owens said he worked at Trader Joe’s for 15 months out of necessity, and the store gave him the flexibility to pursue acting gigs. People recognize him every day at the store but act “cool” about it, he explains.
Since the images went viral, Owens, 57, said he has received overwhelming support from his co-stars on Twitter.
“It was really overwhelming in a good way,” Owens said. “It came out of the blue. I really want to thank everyone out there – family, friends, the Hollywood community, and the general public – for the incredible support and positivity they’ve shown me.” . It’s amazing. It’s great. It’s encouraging.”
Athlete-turned-actor Terry Crews tweeted: “I swept the floor AFTER @NFL. If I had to, I would do it again. Good honest work is nothing to be ashamed of.” Patricia Heaton, who had a big hit with “Everybody Loves Raymond,” also participated.
“Again, why is this news? When I was making ‘Thirtysomething’, I was also summarizing statements to pay the rent. Why are you trying to humiliate this hard-working and honorable actor? ” Heaton tweeted.
Actor Tyler Perry appeared to offer Owens a job in a tweet this morning.
“I’m about to start filming OWN’s number one drama next week! Come join us!!! I have so much respect for people who hustle between gigs,” Perry wrote.
On “The Cosby Show,” Owens plays Elvin Tibideaux, a doctor who marries into the Cosby family. More recently, Owens has appeared on shows such as “The Affair” and “Divorce” and has also taught at Yale University. “I don’t advertise that I’m working at Trader Joe’s, not [because] I’m embarrassed about it but because I don’t want the entertainment community to decide, ‘Oh, he’s doing that. He’s not. pursue acting too.’ I feel like I have to be careful about that,” Owens said.
Owens said he hopes his story will change the public’s perception of the value of certain jobs over others. “Every job is worthwhile and valuable,” he said. “I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a great career… so no one feels sorry for me. I’m fine.”