Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Geoffrey Owens quit Trader Joe’s after job shaming, but says, ‘No one should feel sorry for me’

This image released by ABC shows co-host Robin Roberts, left, with “The Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens during an interview on “Good Morning America,” on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, in New York. (Paula Lobo / ABC)
By Rachel Desantis New York Daily News

Former “Cosby Show” star Geoffrey Owens isn’t mourning his career or past success, despite being “job shamed” by some media outlets.

Geoffrey Owens doesn’t want sympathy after he was job-shamed for bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s – because after all, as he says, “There is no job that’s better than another job.”

“The Cosby Show” actor appeared on “Good Morning America” on Tuesday to discuss his relaunch into the public eye after news outlets like the Daily Mail were accused of job shaming Owens for sharing photos of him working as a cashier at a branch of the popular chain in Clifton, N.J.

“When I first saw the pictures I was really devastated. But the period of devastation was so short, because so shortly after that, my wife and I started to read these responses from all over the world of support,” he said. “So fortunately the shame part didn’t last very long. It hurt, but it’s amazing.”

The headlines – including “From learning lines to serving the long line!” – were slammed by fans and famous faces alike, with many expressing anger that outlets like the Daily Mail and Fox News would shame a man simply trying to make an honest living.

The story also inspired many stars to share their own stories of side hustles they took on to make ends meet while they pursued acting.

Owens said he started work at Trader Joe’s because, after teaching acting and directing for more than 30 years, it “got to a point where it just didn’t add up” – and the grocery store offered flexibility.

The 57-year-old actor said he worked there for 15 months and was recognized nearly every day, but has since had to quit the gig.

“No one should feel sorry for me either from a positive or negative perspective,” he said. “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.”

Owens added that he hoped the experience would allow others to rethink what it means to work, and would let people realize that no job should be held in higher esteem than another.

“There is no job that’s better than another job,” he said. “It might pay better, it might have better benefits, it might look better on a risumi or on paper, but actually, it’s not better.”