Geoffrey Owens has been a frequent mention in headlines across the world after a New Jersey resident snapped a photo of the actor working at grocery store giant Trader Joe's. The onslaught of media attention that followed this revelation raised many questions about the 47-year-old actor's career and plight of working in the entertainment industry.
The actor has been articulate and well-mannered in vocalizing his struggles and recently revealed how his former colleague Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction impacted him financially. After Cosby was accused of sexual assault by 50 women and ultimately convicted, The Cosby Show was pulled of the air. Owens reveals that his finances experienced a significant dip as a result, because he was no longer benefiting from the show's royalties. Owens told People magazine, “At the time that the show was pulled, that did make a difference in our income.” He went on to share, "That was one of the elements that led to my getting to the place where I said to myself, ‘I have to do something’ and I was thinking, ‘What can I do?’ and the answer ended up being Trader Joe’s, which is actually a wonderful situation for me in many ways.”
Owens revelations and the media frenzy surrounding them have made him subject to a considerable amount of criticism, but much of the public and various entertainment figures have gone on record to celebrate Owens' efforts to support his family. Tyler Perry even extended a 10-episode offer on one his television shows to Owens which he gladly accepted it.
Of his future Owens admits, “I’m going to persevere. And even if that means, that eventually when all this hoopla dies down, I might need to take another job outside of the business. I’m still willing to do that.”
