Geoffrey Owens, best known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on the iconic sitcom 'The Cosby Show,' has opened up about his continuous struggle to meet financial obligations long after his 80s television fame. Despite recent opportunities to return to acting, he admitted during an interview on Atlanta’s V-103 radio station, "Even today, right now, as we speak, I still struggle to make a living." Incoming offers might give him more exposure, but they haven't put him on solid financial footing.
The conversation sheds light on the stark reality many actors face even decades after success. Owens revealed, "People have a false impression of what the average middle-class actor makes and their ability to make a living in the industry." This comment resonates particularly because his situation epitomizes the precarious nature of show business. Inspired to make ends meet, Owens took on work as a cashier at Trader Joe’s, where he was spotted by customers, leading to widespread media coverage.
That infamous snapshot occurred back in 2018, when he was photographed scanning groceries at the Clifton, New Jersey store. Initially, the backlash was harsh, with social media breaking out over the absurdity of seeing once-famous actors taking on everyday jobs. Owens said, "At first, there was some negative stuff about basically the job shaming. A 'where is he now' kinda thing." The media glare compelled him to leave the position, but he expressed his discomfort about the invasion of privacy, stating, "It wasn’t like I quit knowing I would be making a lot of money soon or anything. I just felt like I wasn’t going to be able to handle…a scrutiny and attack on my privacy."
Following the surge of media attention, support flooded in from the community and beyond. Among those who extended their generosity was rapper Nicki Minaj, who donated $25,000 to Owens, but he felt it inappropriate to keep it without earning it, leading him to donate instead to charity. He also started receiving acting roles again, landing parts on shows such as Tyler Perry's 'The Haves and the Have Nots' and the series 'Power.' Currently, he shines alongside Damon Wayans on CBS’s sitcom 'Poppa’s House.'
Despite these opportunities, Owens candidly discussed his financial situation, reiteratively noting, "I’m not muchbetter off today" than when the Trader Joe's photo circulated. The actor admits his earnings have been drastically affected since 'The Cosby Show' was yanked from syndication following numerous sexual assault allegations against Cosby himself. Referring to the impact of this scandal, he remarked, "Yes, it impacted me financially. At the time, when the show was pulled, it did make a difference in our income." During the height of the accusations against Cosby, which included over 60 reports of misconduct, residual payments dwindled to almost nothing for Owens, as he had appeared primarily in roughly 20% of the series episodes.
The sweeping fallout from 'The Cosby Show' placed immense pressure on his financial stability, leaving Owen's vulnerable for extended periods. He explained, "Royalties from the show were never particularly wonderful," and it became painfully clear after the main show's syndication ended. This raised awareness surrounding the financial instability inherent within the acting profession, often painted as glamorous and lucrative for those included. For actors like Owens, reality tells another story.
With opportunities for income stretching thin, Owens faces the dual reality of pursuing passion yet grappling with financial insecurity. He appreciates the work he's doing now, but he reflects on the alternate realities of invasive press coverage and public scrutiny. He even addressed at one point during the interview, re-echoing the change he felt from the online backlash to the support he received: "No one should feel sorry for me. I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a great career. I’ve had a career...that most actors would die for. So no one has to feel sorry for me. I’m doing fine!"
What makes Owens’ story particularly gripping is not just his openness about struggle but also his resilience. He remains active, continuing to juggle roles even as he admits to the hardships faced. Owens' experience serves as both a cautionary tale and inspiring narrative reflecting the volatility of the entertainment industry, exposing how applause can quickly fade away, yet the talent often remains. For him, the carpet may have been pulled—yet it’s not completely too late to reclaim the spotlight.
