In 2018, the world was surprised when a photograph of Geoffrey Owens, best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, surfaced on the internet.
The image showed Owens working at a Trader Joe’s grocery store, and the reaction was immediate—he was “job-shamed” by some for what they perceived as a fall from grace. But for Owens, this moment was a powerful reminder of the realities of life as an actor and the dignity of hard work, no matter the form it takes.
Owens’ story underscores the volatile nature of acting careers. While some actors may achieve long-term financial success, many others experience peaks and valleys. After The Cosby Show ended in 1992, Owens, like many actors, faced challenges finding steady work in the competitive world of Hollywood. Though he continued to land roles here and there, he also found himself, at times, in need of a job that offered consistent income and benefits. Trader Joe’s provided that.
Other actors, including The Cosby Show co-stars, also came forward to defend Owens. They praised him for doing what was necessary to support himself and his family, pointing out that actors, like everyone else, sometimes need to take on non-acting jobs between gigs. Geoffrey Owens turned what could have been a negative experience into a positive force for change. His story is one of resilience and dignity, a reminder that our worth is not tied to the jobs we hold, but to the way we carry ourselves in the face of adversity. In the years following the viral moment, Owens has continued to work in the entertainment industry, with roles in shows like NCIS: New Orleans and Power Book II: Ghost.
For Owens, his time at Trader Joe’s is not something he regrets. It was a chapter in his life that, while challenging, allowed him to support his family and pursue his passion for acting. Most importantly, it sparked a vital conversation about the value of all work, and the importance of respecting the people who do it.
Owens has since become a symbol of perseverance in the face of public scrutiny, and his story continues to inspire others facing similar challenges. His ability to speak out and shift the narrative shows that no matter where life takes us, there is always dignity in doing what it takes to succeed, even if it doesn’t fit society’s narrow definition of success.
