Geoffrey Owens: Financial Struggles, Cosby Show Residuals, and Life After Hollywood

Geoffrey Owens Shares Financial Realities Post-Cosby Show and His Return to Trader Joe's

Geoffrey Owens the widely recognized actor from "The Cosby Show" openly discussed his current financial difficulties on V-103 Atlanta’s “Big Tigger Morning Show” a popular radio program. Owens who played Elvin Tibideaux became viral after images surfaced in 2018 showcasing his employment at Trader Joe’s bagging groceries but he has recently shared he quit his position at Trader Joes before the photos even surfaced.

Owens spoke to Big Tigger explaining how he left Trader Joe's before public interest because someone was taking photographs without his consent which made him very uncomfortable working at the New Jersey location. He further stated his concerns about privacy following the job shame incident. Owens' interview reveals unexpected personal truths that many would not think is common for a celebrity.

Geoffrey Owens Explains Difficulties of the Acting Industry Despite Career Success and Public Perception

After the photographs surfaced multiple entertainment figures like Tyler Perry extended help to Owens for new roles including in OWN drama “The Haves and Have Nots" . Nicki Minaj provided 25000 dollars as a donation. Owens who often takes donations and opportunities when he can said in the interview he donated Nicki Minaj's funds to charity in respect for the late Earl Hyman who played Cliff's father on the Cosby Show saying “it seemed like the right thing to do.” Owens made his career mark with his work in "The Cosby Show" even as he continues to face significant financial instability . Owens who is the former Trader Joes employee has voiced he has a lot of pride in any job that he has taken.

Owens who currently has roles in movies like "Mr Santa” and TV shows like “Poppa’s House” on CBS acknowledged his daily struggles to make ends meet stating “people can’t get their heads around that”. The public tends to view actors as rich. They are unable to grasp the complexities in the actor’s economic landscape with middle-class actors making an income vastly different to some of their more well known counter parts . Owens disclosed his financial woes saying he remains "not much better off" after "The Cosby Show".

Residual Checks From The Cosby Show And Why Geoffrey Owen Doesn't Get The Payments

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Host Big Tigger raised topic about “wonderful” residual income generated from “The Cosby Show.” Owens said those residuals were “never particularly wonderful” since he appeared in only 20% of the production episodes of the show. The “Cosby Show” eventually ceased playing as Bill Cosby had allegations against him of sexual assault that significantly hurt the public image of the show. This created additional hardships for actors within that particular production who often relied on residuals from rerun contracts.

Owens is clear about having to work at Trader Joes saying he has gone back to see if “he could work hours there again" and further confirmed Trader Joe’s was a “wonderful place to work.” Owens however has not disclosed if he has officially been hired by the New Jersey store again. The interview brings about transparency in Hollywood for those outside and inside who want a deeper look into how an actors life is structured .

Other Celebrities Balancing Day Jobs with Hollywood Careers Through The Years

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Other well known individuals also balance work between their artistic jobs and traditional workplaces such as Stranger Things cast member. This actor currently moonlights as a part time lifeguard during the summer season. The Stranger Things actor states it's “a just for fun thing” helping him balance his grounded identity during the off-season when he is not filming for the Netflix hit series. Flaunt Magazine interviewed him in 2022 revealing his personal choices for income outside of filming to show that this is common practice for many to make financial gains as actors in the industry .

Erik von Detten the former child actor famous for “Escape to Witch Mountain” worked for finance sector after leaving the spotlight after “Toy Story 3” in 2010 to develop career stability. Von Detten shared that a company approached him and provided a position at age 25 and grew into management in a very secure and reliable space. He stated it “worked out really well” as he found security beyond his past roles. An E! News interview from 2021 highlights this career shift by providing transparency into the career options actors will have after the filming of their films ends .

Nikki Blonsky the Golden Globe nominee who appeared in Hairspray went to work as a makeup artist at a beauty salon on Long Island in the following years showcasing her financial struggles. Blonsky posted that “she was proud 2 b workin & helping pay bills” while adding that “she will never loose sight of my dreams” showing determination and hardwork even though fame was no longer supporting her financially in that phase of her life. Social Media updates via her X account demonstrates how many find work as time goes on after careers begin to change directions demonstrating the nature of the business.

Former Hollywood Actors Choosing Service Oriented Jobs

Erik Estrada of the 70's CHiPs fame became a police officer before becoming a reserve officer with Muncie Police Department in Indiana. The actor relocated to Virginia where he took a position working as a police investigator targeting the area of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). The actor also served as a reserve police officer for St Anthony in Idaho proving he valued service . Many Hollywood stars find fulfillment through giving back as a different avenue than what was given to them while starring on screen.

Lizzie Mcguire's character Ethan Craft now serves as real estate agent after playing water polo during his time attending California's Pepperdine University as he chose not to pursue acting after that period. Snyder who played Ethan in the Disney series stated he was "thankful" after his run in the tv series ended . Snyder admitted that people like to work with him because of his character adding that “if it’s nice piece of trivia” its fine. These stories highlight how common place life after Hollywood can often lead those who pursue film making careers.

Hollywood Stars Who Went on To Other Diverse Professions Including Law And Construction

The Jonas Brothers band member decided to work a construction company during an eight year hiatus also working as co-CEO in influencer marketing showing many find diverse opportunities. Other child stars who leave acting become very well known legal authorities such as Charlie Korsmo of "Hook" fame now teaching at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law as well as joining government service and policy organizations during the Obama administration .

Peter Ostrum of "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" who was Charlie Bucket went on to be a veterinarian after graduating from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine demonstrating a love for animals beyond his child acting experiences. Many actors find career success and life satisfaction through their choice to branch off of the entertainment industries. Former Disney star Jennifer Stone played Harper Finkle on "Wizards of Waverly Place" then decided to became a registered nurse later supporting those battling Covid in 2019 providing first hand medical care for patients. Stone posted in 2020 that she is “very grateful” to contribute and also live up to all the “healthcare workers on the frontlines” showing great support to those in the healthcare arena.

The former child star Ross Bagley who performed in “The Little Rascals” and “Fresh Prince of Bel Air" is currently a real estate agent in Los Angeles which is where many child stars find themselves as that city houses Hollywood. Also Jeff Cohen famous for his character ‘Chunk’ from “The Goonies” is a very successful entertainment lawyer and an important member within that industry of Hollywood showing great diversity and versatility in their various work areas . Teddy Dunn best know for “Veronica Mars” worked as an assistant United States Attorney while Phoebe Cates of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” owns Blue Tree a gift shop in New York City. Many are very diverse and active after Hollywood even though many are well known for particular film and TV work in their past. Alexander of Nickelodeon series “iCarly” is now working in journalism for the Business Insider and the Wall Street Journal proving many find joy in reporting news beyond their experiences in entertainment.