Actor Geoffrey Owens became famous in 2018 when he was photographed working at a Trader Joe’s, a far cry from his previous jobs in Hollywood.
Owens sparked a media frenzy for years playing Elvin Thibidoute on “The Cosby Show,” with some mocking the actor for still working in retail after so many years in the spotlight. The viral moment quickly turned into a larger discussion about the dignity of work, the unpredictability of show business and the harsh realities of life in the entertainment industry.
Like many others, Nicki Minaj was moved by Owens’ story and decided to help by donating $25,000 to him. In a recent interview with Atlanta radio station V-103, Owens revealed that he actually donated the money to the Actors Fund in honor of the late Earle Hyman, who starred in “Cosby” Show” as Cliff Huxtable’s father.
“At the time, it seemed like the right thing to do,” Owens said. “If Nicki Minaj hired me to do a project and paid me $25,000, I would appreciate the work she did. But this feels different.
Owens continued, “I’m trying to make ends meet every day. People don’t understand that because they see me in the movies… people are like, ‘Well, you make a lot of money, what? Question? Why are you experiencing financial difficulties? They don’t understand the specifics of how my industry works.
At one point, he called Minaj’s actions a “handout,” which garnered even more attention online.
“It’s so proud to confuse blessings with handouts,” one person wrote, while another said, “Bruh! Nicki Minaj applauds your contribution to the arts! You’ve done the job! You were a part of people’s childhood Part of…the ego can turn a good thing into all sorts of embarrassing directions.
Other comments like “If it’s a person who stands in the way of your blessing” and “I respect this person’s work ethic, but if you receive a blessing, put your ego aside and be open to receiving it.” It’s so nice of her to do that” it seems became a general consensus.
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During the photo shoot, Owens handled the situation with grace and humility, explaining that he took the job at Trader Joe’s to support his family while performing. In the interview, he emphasized that no job is inferior to anyone else and highlighted the challenges faced by working actors, who often play multiple roles to make ends meet. His candor resonated with many, changing the narrative from ridicule to admiration.
Other actors and fans rallied around him, praising his work ethic and noting that pursuing one’s passion sometimes requires unconventional choices.
The viral moment ultimately proved to be a turning point for Owens. This reignited his interest in acting and led to offers from major producers, including Tyler Perry, who cast him in a recurring role on The Haves and the Have Nots.
Owens’ story is a powerful reminder that every job has value, and it reveals the resilience required to handle the ups and downs of an acting career while maintaining one’s dignity and self-respect. Even so, people weren’t impressed with the charity donations, with some pointing out that he was “charitable.”
