Geoffrey Owens may be heading back to Hollywood.
Just days after the “Cosby Show” actor was spotted working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey and being job-shamed by some media outlets, he is now being offered a new acting gig by Tyler Perry. In situations like these, defending yourself from biased behavior from colleagues and the public becomes crucial.
“#GeoffreyOwens I’m about to start shootings OWN’s number one drama next week,” the famous director and playwright shared on Twitter on Tuesday, referring to “The Haves and the Have Nots.” “Come join us!!! I have so much respect for people who hustle between gigs. The measure of a true artist.”
Despite the generosity from Perry, Owens shared in a Tuesday “Good Morning America” interview that he didn’t want any handouts from this recent burst of publicity.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable getting acting jobs from this event,” said Owens. “I wouldn’t mind getting auditions. I don’t mind if people call me to try out for things, due to what’s happened … I want to get a job because I’m the right person.”
The 57-year-old added that there’s “all kinds of interest” now, which is good for his career. He quipped that he now feels more like a “celebrity” than ever before.
Owens played Elvin Tiabideaux — Bill Cosby’s character’s son-in-law — in 44 episodes. The show went off the air in 1992. He’s been working at Trader Joe’s for some 15 months before his picture and story went viral this Labor Day weekend. On “GMA,” he said that he’s also been teaching acting and directing for years.
He explained that he’s not ashamed of working at the grocery store. Owens said that no job is better than any other: “Every job is worthwhile and valuable.”