Solidarity has been the overall reaction to the story of Geoffery Owens, the former Cosby Show actor whose personal wealth became the topic of conversation over the weekend.
As previously reported, the veteran actor’s gig at Trader Joe’s was brought to light by outlets like Daily Mail and Fox News who implied the actor had fallen on hard times. After fans shared their love and support of the actor, fellow working actors shared their stories of taking “regular jobs” to support themselves. Terry Crews took to Twitter to lend his support to Owens and how job-shamming should not be a practice.
“I swept floors AFTER the @NFL,” he said Saturday (Aug. 1). If need be, I’d do it again. Good honest work is nothing to be ashamed of.”
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
— terry crews (@terrycrews) September 2, 2018
Other TV legends were inspired by Owens like Blair Underwood (The Event, Quantico) and Patricia Heaton (The Middle, Everybody Hates Raymond) condemned the idea of mocking Owens.
“I had been a working actor for years. Jobs stopped, as they do,” Heaton shared. “I worked in retail. At a flower shop. I passed out flyers. It’s about the work. Work gives you pride and purpose. Your visibility as an actor never goes away. But the money sure does.”
Classism and the idea of how fame is interpreted soon followed. Technology might be a gift and a curse as many overlooked Owens lengthy resume.
See more supportive messages from Tami Roman and others below.
I had been a working actor for years. Jobs stopped, as they do. I worked in retail. At a flower shop. I passed out flyers. It’s about the work. Work gives you pride and purpose. Your visibility as an actor never goes away. But the money sure does. #geoffreyowens pic.twitter.com/BBzZaBrGBx
— Pamela Adlon (@pamelaadlon) September 2, 2018
Love and respect. I have been close to this situation and sure being a famous face makes it harder, but there is no shame in his game. Geoffrey is a fantastic talent. I’m working hard to create a company @colorfarm to hire talent like him who keep on keeping on! Xo e.
— Erika Alexander (@EAlexTheGreat) September 2, 2018
I worked in a Wetherspoons kitchen after being in Harry Potter. I needed a job, no shame in that. And you know what? I really enjoyed it! You do what you need to do and that's nothing to be ashamed of. https://t.co/1RI8sltHMe
— Chris Rankin (@chrisrankin) September 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/JustineBateman/status/1035713958907269120
I used to be ashamed that I had to work a second job to support my acting career, wrongly believing it was some sort of failure. Now I see it as an absolute anchor; providing financial stability and a humbling structure within a turbulent industry. Fly the flag #GeoffreyOwens ?
— Jonno Davies (@Jonno_Davies) September 2, 2018
Again, why is this news? When I worked on “Thirtysomething” I was also summarizing depositions to pay my rent. Why are you trying to humiliate this honorable, hardworking actor? Shame on you! #geoffreyowens – many great blessings are coming your way! https://t.co/8tgvW3iixr
— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) September 2, 2018
READ MORE: Fans Rally Behind ‘Cosby Show’ Actor Geoffrey Owens After Outlets Shame Him For Gig At Trader Joe’s