Geoffrey Owens, best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on *The Cosby Show*, recently shared insights into his ongoing financial struggles and career journey during an interview on V-103 Atlanta’s *Big Tigger Morning Show*.
Owens reflected on his experience going viral in 2018 when photos of him working at Trader Joe’s surfaced, addressing misconceptions about his financial stability as an actor, Variety reported.
Owens first gained public attention for his financial challenges in 2018 when images of him bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s went viral. The unexpected exposure led to widespread discussion about the realities faced by many actors in the entertainment industry. In the recent interview, he clarified that he had already left the grocery store before the photos were released.
The actor explained that leaving his job at Trader Joe’s was not about money but about maintaining his privacy. He shared that the knowledge someone had photographed him while working was deeply unsettling. Owens, who values his privacy, noted that continuing in the role would have felt too uncomfortable.
“It was strange because someone had been in the store taking pictures,” Owens said during the interview. “Now that this is breaking, I’m not going to feel comfortable working in this store wondering who’s around with a camera.”
He made it clear that his decision to quit wasn’t tied to financial gain. “It wasn’t like I quit knowing I would be making a lot of money soon or anything,” he stated, emphasizing the emotional toll of public scrutiny.
Despite his efforts in Hollywood, Owens admitted that financial challenges persist. He shared that he still struggles to make ends meet, even though he continues to secure roles in television and film.
“People can’t get their heads around that,” he said, addressing assumptions about his income. Owens has appeared in projects such as *Poppa’s House* on CBS and various movies, but he clarified that acting often doesn’t guarantee financial security.
Owens pointed out that residual payments from *The Cosby Show* have not been significant for him. As he appeared in only a small portion of the series’ episodes, the payments were never substantial. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Bill Cosby led to the show being pulled from syndication, further diminishing any residual income.
“They were never particularly wonderful for me because I did maybe 20% of the show,” Owens explained. “Plus, the show went away for a while because of what happened with Bill.”
The actor used his platform to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding the financial realities of middle-class performers. He emphasized that many actors, despite appearing on screen, face ongoing struggles to maintain stability. Owens explained that this reality initially led him to work at Trader Joe’s and continues to impact his life today.
“People have a false impression of what the average, what I call middle-class actor makes and their ability to make a living in the industry,” he said. “Honestly, I’m not much better off now than I was then.”
Following the viral incident in 2018, Owens received support from figures in the entertainment industry. Tyler Perry offered him a role on *The Haves and Have Nots*, while Nicki Minaj gifted him $25,000. Owens chose to donate the money to charity, believing it was the right thing to do at the time.
He expressed gratitude for the positive response he received but acknowledged that such moments don’t guarantee long-term financial stability.
Despite the challenges he faced during the viral moment, Owens described his time at Trader Joe’s as a positive experience. He noted that the job provided stability and a sense of purpose during a difficult period in his life. He has even considered returning to the store to inquire about shifts.
“Trader Joe’s is a wonderful place to work,” Owens said. His remarks highlight the dignity of honest work, regardless of public perception.
Owens concluded by emphasizing that his story is not unique. Many actors, even those with recognizable roles, face similar struggles. His candid remarks serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the importance of challenging stereotypes about financial success.
“Even today, right now, as we speak, I still struggle to make a living,” he said. His openness about his journey continues to resonate with fans and fellow actors alike.
