Geoffrey Owens, the actor famously known for playing Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, recently opened up about the unexpected twists his life has taken, offering a candid reflection on the year that changed everything for him. In August, Owens was spotted working at a Trader Joe’s store in Clifton, New Jersey, a photo of which went viral, sparking a national conversation about “job-shaming.” The image, which appeared in news outlets, led to an outpouring of support from celebrities and fans alike, with Tyler Perry even offering Owens a role in his series The Haves and the Have Nots.
As part of the Voices series, Owens shares his thoughts on the experience, its unexpected aftermath, and the valuable lessons he’s taken away.
A Lesson in Work and Humility
Owens reflects on how people often have misconceptions about the lives of actors, especially when it comes to their financial realities. “The general public has no idea what the typical life of an actor is, or how showbiz works—especially financially,” he says. “It’s not their fault. How would you know if you’re not in the business?” For Owens, the experience of working a regular job was a reminder of how essential it is to honor all types of work. He believes that every job, regardless of the pay or position, is “noble” and meaningful. “Just to be reassured that, ‘Hey, I’m doing what I need to do, I’m where I am now, this doesn’t mean I’ll be here forever,'” he shares.
Finding Contentment Amid the Chaos
For Owens, contentment is key to navigating the ups and downs of life. “I don’t mean satisfied; I don’t mean complacent,” he clarifies. “There’s a way of being content with where you are, and to look forward to how you might grow.” When he worked at Trader Joe’s, he came to a place of peace, embracing the job as a “noble, worthwhile, meaningful” opportunity. “If something happens after this, fine, but actually I’m going to make peace with working this job.”
Returning to the Spotlight
Perhaps the most surprising outcome of Owens’ viral moment was his reemergence into the entertainment world. “The most positive thing that’s happened is that it’s almost like I’ve been reintroduced to the entertainment community,” he reflects. Although he had continued working sporadically as an actor, the viral photo brought him back into the public eye. “Now I feel like I’m back on people’s radar, which is where one has to be to be successful consistently.”
This resurgence has led to new opportunities and reaffirmed Owens’ belief in the importance of staying visible in an industry that often forgets those who are out of sight.
Support From Fellow Stars
The support he received from fellow celebrities was overwhelming. Justine Bateman, who recently released a book about fame, reached out to Owens personally. Their shared experiences led to a strong bond, and she sent him a copy of her book, which he says he could deeply relate to. Terry Crews also shared his own story of adversity, revealing that after his NFL career, he too worked odd jobs. “It was hard for me to believe that,” Owens admits, adding that it’s a reminder of the struggles that everyone faces behind the scenes.
The Impact of Unexpected Fame
Owens’ viral moment has also transformed his relationship with the public. “I went from relative obscurity as kind of a has-been celebrity to someone who really can’t go anywhere now without being recognized and approached,” he explains. The attention, which peaked in early September, was overwhelming at times, but Owens is grateful for the positive impact it has had. “Everywhere I go, I’m being approached. It’s nice. It’s a little disconcerting, it’s a little overwhelming, but it’s by far better than it is negative.”
Looking Ahead
As for 2019, Owens has no concrete plans, but he’s optimistic about his future. “The plan is to try to get as much work as possible, as consistently as possible,” he shares. He hopes to work with Tyler Perry again and take a trip with his family to Europe. “Other than that, it’s wide open,” he says, looking forward to the opportunities that may arise.
Despite the viral photo that launched him back into the spotlight, Owens holds no ill will toward the woman who took it. “I forgive her totally,” he says. “Everybody makes mistakes. And her mistake turned out for a lot of good.” Owens is ultimately grateful for how it all unfolded, even if the circumstances were unexpected.
In the end, Geoffrey Owens’ “bizarre” year has taught him the importance of humility, the value of hard work, and the power of second chances. “I’m glad that I can encourage people,” he says, reflecting on the journey that has brought him back into the public’s heart.
