September 3, 2018
ThisIsInsider.com | By Megan Willet
Over the weekend, photos emerged on news sites of “Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens, 57, working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey.
Now, fellow actors and fans are coming to Owens’ defense to say it’s common for actors to hold other jobs.
The story was originally published by British news agency South West News Service before being picked up by The Daily Mail and Fox News. Two women in Clifton, New Jersey, took a photo of the actor working at the local grocery store.
“I was just in Trader Joe’s and I said to my wife, I said, ‘Wait a minute, that’s the guy from ‘The Cosby Show,'” one of the women said.
—Fox News (@FoxNews) August 31, 2018 ” data-e2e-name=”embed-container” data-media-container=”embed” style=”box-sizing: border-box; margin: 20px 0px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: TiemposTextWeb-Regular, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;”>
Fox News
✔@FoxNews
‘Cosby Show’ actor Geoffrey Owens spotted bagging groceries at NJ Trader Joe’s http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/08/31/cosby-show-actor-geoffrey-owens-spotted-bagging-groceries-at-nj-trader-joes.html …
‘Cosby Show’ actor Geoffrey Owens spotted bagging groceries at NJ Trader Joe’s
Cosby Show alum Geoffrey Owens, who played Elvin Tibideaux, the young doctor who married into the Cosby family on the famous sitcom, was photographed working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey.
foxnews.com
There were also pictures published of Owens at the checkout counter at Trader Joe’s wearing the name tag “Geoffrey.”
Owens famously played doctor Elvn Tibideaux, who married the eldest daughter Sondra on “The Cosby Show.” He was on the show from 1985 to 1992.
He’s also appeared in a number of other shows since, including “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Divorce,” and “Blue Bloods,” among others.
The story quickly went viral. While some were surprised to see the actor working at Trader Joe’s, most jumped to the defense of Owens to say that many actors hold day jobs — and that it’s an honorable thing to do so.
Director Judd Apatow said Owens is an incredible actor.
—Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) September 1, 2018 ” data-e2e-name=”embed-container” data-media-container=”embed” style=”box-sizing: border-box; margin: 20px 0px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: TiemposTextWeb-Regular, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;”>
Actor Terry Crews said there was no shame in having another job in addition to being an actor.
terrycrews
✔@terrycrews
I swept floors AFTER the @NFL. If need be, I’d do it again. Good honest work is nothing to be ashamed of.
Yashar Ali
✔@yashar
Delete this. The man is trying to put food on the table and you’re trying to humiliate him? https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/1035663476180615168 …
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation encouraged followers to share their day jobs.
Fox News
✔@FoxNews
‘Cosby Show’ actor Geoffrey Owens spotted bagging groceries at NJ Trader Joe’s http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/08/31/cosby-show-actor-geoffrey-owens-spotted-bagging-groceries-at-nj-trader-joes.html …
‘Cosby Show’ actor Geoffrey Owens spotted bagging groceries at NJ Trader Joe’s
Cosby Show alum Geoffrey Owens, who played Elvin Tibideaux, the young doctor who married into the Cosby family on the famous sitcom, was photographed working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey.
foxnews.com
SAG-AFTRA Foundation
✔@sagaftraFOUND
This #LaborDay, we honor #geoffreyowens & ALL of the hard-working actors & artists who work 1, 2, 3 day jobs in order to pay the bills, take care of their families & still work to entertain us. #ActorsWithDayJobs, please share yours! We’re here for u & will RT #ActorsWithDayJobs
Hashtags like #GeoffreyOwens and #ActorswithDayJobs started trending.
Actresses Vella Lovell, Meagan Gordon Scheuerman, and Pamela Adlon all shared jobs they’ve held while working.
—Vella Lovell (@vellalovell) September 3, 2018 ” data-e2e-name=”embed-container” data-media-container=”embed” style=”box-sizing: border-box; margin: 20px 0px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: TiemposTextWeb-Regular, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;”>
Vella Lovell
✔@vellalovell
Waitress, hostess, box office worker, nanny, receptionist, personal organizer. The norm for an artist is not being paid to do what we love, the norm is to HUSTLE and do whatever it takes to chase that dream. There is no shame in that—only pride. #ActorsWithDayJobs #laborday
SAG-AFTRA Foundation
✔@sagaftraFOUND
This #LaborDay, we honor #geoffreyowens and ALL of the hard-working actors who work 1, 2, 3 day jobs in order to pay the bills, take care of their families & still work to entertain us. #ActorsWithDayJobs, share yours loud and proud! We’re here for you! https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-shaming-of-geoffrey-owens-and-the-inability-to-see-actors-as-laborers-too …
—Meagan Gordon Scheuerman (@MeaganGordon) September 3, 2018 ” data-e2e-name=”embed-container” data-media-container=”embed” style=”box-sizing: border-box; margin: 20px 0px; color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: TiemposTextWeb-Regular, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;”>
Meagan Gordon Scheuerman@MeaganGordonMy Pringles spot came on during the Winter Olympics, which was on where I was bartending. I was a real estate agent, when my Ruby Tuesday’s spot came on the TV at the apt I was showing. Working as a writer for a marketing company when I had a part on House. #actorswithdayjobs
Pamela Adlon
✔@pamelaadlon
I had been a working actor for years. Jobs stopped, as they do. I worked in retail. At a flower shop. I passed out flyers. It’s about the work. Work gives you pride and purpose. Your visibility as an actor never goes away. But the money sure does. #geoffreyowens
Actress Julie Berman argued that just because Owens works a day job at Trader Joe’s doesn’t mean he isn’t happy.
Other actors like Jack Maxwell shared stories of working with Owens.
Jack Maxwell
✔@SouthieJack
Had the pleasure of working with Geoffrey about a dozen years ago on stage with Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain. Unlike me, he more than held his own. He was also sweet, kind, funny and giving. Now I know he’s smart and resourceful as well. Respect. #GeoffreyOwens
Judd Apatow
✔@JuddApatow
Geoffrey Owen is a fantastic, hilarious actor. He was incredible on @Divorce. It’s streaming on @hbo. Season one. As funny and strong as they come! https://twitter.com/TonyAtamanuik/status/1035938883689754624 …
And actor Kevin D. Benton pointed out that Owens is much more than an acting resume, and that he also helps kids and teaches acting classes.
Actress Patricia Heaton pointed out that actors working day jobs isn’t news.
