Former “Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens was spotted working at a Trader Joe’s last month, and several media outlets received backlash for apparently mocking him over his side gig.
A shopper by the name of Karma Lawrence was picking up some groceries at the New Jersey store and recognized the actor while he was working. Owens was reportedly bagging groceries on August 25 when Lawrence snapped a photo of him.
(photo credit: Lupe Edge Twitter)
The shopper told the Daily Mail, “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.'” She continued, “I was getting a bunch of groceries and he wasn’t really looking at anybody, but he said, ‘Have a nice day.’ … It made me feel really bad. I was like, ‘Wow, all those years of doing the show and you ended up as a cashier.'”
Fox news shared the story on their site, and social media slammed the news network for trying to shame Owens for earning an honest living at Trader Joe’s. Other actors, as well as political figures, chimed in with fans who accused Fox of trying to humiliate Owens.
“Geoffrey Owens still acts occasionally, works at Trader Joe’s, and ministers to others in need, setting a good example for people everywhere. What a great guy.” That’s what @FoxNews should have said,” Texas congressional candidate Dayna Steele stated on Twitter.
Casting director Jen Euston tweeted, “This really pisses me off. I’m a fan of Geoffrey’s & when he’s right for something I always bring him in to read. He’s talented & I think age looks great on him! Check out his IMDB page. He’s a working actor in NY. But guess what? Actors can’t make living wages like that anymore.”
Owens is a consistent working actor, and he also is an acting teacher at Herbert Berghof Studio in New York. He has roles in upcoming films “Impossible Monsters” and “Fizzle.” Owens played Elvin, the doctor and husband of Sondra Huxtable, on “The Cosby Show.”
