In 2018, Geoffrey Owens, known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, became the subject of headlines after being photographed working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey. The viral moment sparked widespread conversations about the financial realities of middle-class actors. Despite gaining significant attention and support, Owens recently shared that his struggles to “make ends meet” persist.
Geoffrey Owens Admits To Struggles
Owens opened up during an interview with Atlanta’s V-103 radio station, revealing the challenges he faces in maintaining financial stability. “I struggle every day to make my ends meet,” he said. He acknowledged public confusion about his circumstances, adding, “People can’t get their heads around that because they see me in movies or on TV. They don’t understand how my industry works.”
While many assume residuals from The Cosby Show provide a comfortable income, Owens clarified that this isn’t the case. “They were never particularly wonderful,” he explained, emphasizing that his role accounted for only about 20% of the series. “People have a false impression of what the average middle-class actor makes and their ability to make a living.”
After the Trader Joe’s photos surfaced, Owens faced both support and job-shaming. While grateful for the encouragement, he ultimately left the position, citing privacy concerns. “It wasn’t like I quit knowing I’d make a lot of money soon,” he said. “I just felt like I wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of scrutiny and attack on my privacy.”
The incident brought opportunities, including a role in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots. Rapper Nicki Minaj also donated $25,000 to him, which he gave to charity. “At the time, it seemed like the right thing to do,” Owens noted.
Despite ongoing acting gigs, including roles on Power and CBS’s Poppa’s House, Owens says his financial situation has not improved significantly. Reflecting on his time at Trader Joe’s, he remarked, “Honestly, I’m not much better off now than I was then.”