Actor Geoffrey Owens played Elvin Tibideaux, the husband of Sondra Huxtable, on the last five seasons of "The Cosby Show" between 1985 and 1992. Now, at 57 years old, Owens has a humble job working as a cashier at Trader Joe's.
A grocery shopper noticed he looked familiar, and once she realized who it was, began posting photos of the former actor on social media.
Sadly, Owens was mocked for his new line of work. But, he was comfortable enough in his own skin to defend himself. In a conversation with "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, Owens, proudly wearing his Trader Joe's name card, explained that "every job is worthwhile."
FULL INTERVIEW: @GMA EXCLUSIVE -- "There's no job better than another...every job is worthwhile..." Actor Geoffrey Owens speaks out, responding to job shaming and backlash after a photo of him working at a grocery store was posted online: https://t.co/0wZJnpowI9 pic.twitter.com/aNiG5fV2yf
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 4, 2018
Owens said he was really devastated by the initial job shaming, but was soon "overwhelmed" with gratitude toward all his fans and fellow celebrities who jumped to his defense.
I swept floors AFTER the @NFL. If need be, I’d do it again. Good honest work is nothing to be ashamed of. https://t.co/8mseCpaIqz
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) September 2, 2018
Geoffrey Owen is a fantastic, hilarious actor. He was incredible on @Divorce. It’s streaming on @hbo. Season one. As funny and strong as they come! https://t.co/bbgiXnat9B
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) September 1, 2018
“No one should feel sorry for me,” Owens said in his ABC interview. “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!”