Geoffrey Owens was thrust back into the spotlight after a photo of him was taken working at a New York Trader Joe’s. Initial reports attempted to shame the actor most famous for his work on The Cosby Show, and paint him as a has been.
The 57-year-old combatted the bad press during an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts. Owens proudly sported his Trader Joe’s nametag and a positive attitude and said how he feeds his family is nothing he should be ashamed of.
Many of his acting peers took to social media supporting Owens and praising his work in lesser-known roles. Since his interview, Tyler Perry extended a job offer for his show The Haves and Have Nots and now U.S.A Today reports Owens will make a guest appearance on NCIS: New Orleans.
On the upcoming show, Owens will play Cmdr. Adams, “an old and valued friend who Pride (Scott Bakula) goes to for both medical and spiritual advice.” The episode is scheduled to air in October.
NCIS executive producer Christopher Silber explained that the reason he booked Owens is so the character requires attributes Owens naturally possesses.
“For Cmdr. Adams, we needed someone with compassion, competence, and heart. … That’s Geoffrey in a nutshell. An accomplished actor who seemed like the perfect fit to add to our extended repertory company.”
Season Five of NCIS: New Orleans premieres Sept. 25.
READ MORE: Fans Rally Behind Geoffrey Owens After Media Outlets Shame Him For Working At Trader Joe’s