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Actor Geoffrey Owens, best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on “The Cosby Show,” has revealed that despite the career opportunities that came his way after a 2018 incident at Trader Joe’s, he is still facing financial struggles.
In a candid interview with Atlanta’s V-103 radio station on December 18, Owens opened up about the ongoing challenges he faces in making a living. He said, “Even today, right now, as we speak, I still struggle to make a living. I struggle every day to make my ends meet.” This admission came as a surprise to many who might assume that an actor with a prominent role on a major sitcom would have financial security.
Owens’ struggles began when a customer photographed him working behind the counter at a Trader Joe’s store in 2018. The incident sparked a media frenzy and, while it brought attention to Owens’ situation, it also led to what he described as an “attack on my privacy.” Though the photograph led to an outpouring of support from fans and fellow actors, it also underscored the difficult financial realities that many actors face, even those with a long-running role on a popular show.
After the photo went viral, Owens was offered acting opportunities, including roles from Tyler Perry, and he appeared on series like The Haves and the Have Nots and Power. However, despite these offers, Owens admitted that his financial situation didn’t drastically improve. He explained that his residuals from The Cosby Show were not as substantial as many might assume, and with the show no longer airing in syndication following the legal issues surrounding its star, Bill Cosby, Owens’ income took another hit.
“People have a false impression of what the average middle-class actor makes and their ability to make a living in the industry,” Owens noted, emphasizing that even successful TV actors can struggle to support themselves without the right financial management or steady work. While the public’s perception of actors’ wealth often hinges on the success of a show, the reality is more complicated.
Owens further explained that, despite the help from his acting career, he still needed to return to his job at Trader Joe’s to supplement his income. This return to retail work may seem unexpected, but for Owens, it highlights the gap between public perception and financial reality in the entertainment industry.
The actor’s story serves as a reminder of the financial uncertainty that many in Hollywood face, especially those with middle-tier or supporting roles in long-running series. While Owens continues to work in television and theater, his transparency about his financial challenges is an important conversation about the pressures facing actors outside of the spotlight.
In closing, Owens expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he’s received but reiterated that the work to make ends meet never stops. His experiences reflect the realities of many actors who, despite fame and recognition, often face a constant balancing act to stay afloat in an industry known for its instability.