Geoffrey Owens previously made an unbelievable confession about his finances. Best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, he reflected on his financial struggles and the viral moment that changed his life.
In 2018, a photo of Owens working at Trader Joe’s sparked mixed reactions on the internet, and some criticized him for taking a “regular” job, but the majority of the responses were of support and admiration.
Geoffrey Owen’s unbelievable confession
‘Cosby Show’ actor Geoffrey Owens still ‘struggling’ to make ends meet after he quit Trader Joe’s gig over ‘attack on my privacy’https://t.co/BXEAlvhX1m
— Miss T (@tlc6767) December 27, 2024
Geoffrey Owens recently shared his perspective during an interview with Atlanta’s V-103 radio station. “At first, there was some job-shaming and negative comments, like a ‘where is he now’ type of thing,” he explained. “But soon after, there was incredible encouragement from people all over the world.”
Although Geoffrey Owens enjoyed a successful acting career, he admitted that he still faced financial difficulties. “Even today, I struggle to make ends meet,” he said. “People don’t understand it because they see me in movies, but the truth is, the income isn’t always consistent.” Owens also addressed misconceptions about residuals from The Cosby Show, explaining that they were never substantial for him.
Despite the support and love when he was working at Trader Joe’s, Geoffrey Owens revealed the attention became too much to bear that he left Trader Joe’s not because of newfound wealth but due to the intense scrutiny and invasion of privacy. He expressed gratitude for the job, noting he had even requested extra hours at the grocery chain to make ends meet.
Geoffrey Owens is back on his feet
The viral moment in 2018 turned out to be a blessing in disguise, bringing him many acting roles. Tyler Perry cast him in The Haves and the Have Nots, and he has since appeared in shows like Power, NCIS: New Orleans, Billions, and All Rise. Currently, Owens stars in Damon Wayans’ sitcom Poppa’s House and recently featured in the holiday film Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza.
Reflecting on his experience at Trader Joe’s, Geoffrey Owens shared that taking the job was a necessity after his financial situation became challenging. He told People in 2018, “It was a humbling yet wonderful situation that helped me through a difficult time.”