The “Cosby Show” actor, who was forced to work at Trader Joe’s, says he’s still struggling to make ends meet

A popular “Cosby Show” actor opened up about having to work at Trader Joe’s and dealing with the financial problems he continues to struggle with.

Geoffrey Owens, 63, widely known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux in the iconic TV series, made headlines in 2018 when a photo of him bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s went viral.

While some on social media mocked him for taking a “normal” job, the negativity was soon offset by an outpouring of support.

“Initially there were basically a few negative comments about job shaming. “A ‘where is he now’ thing,” he told Atlanta radio station V-103.

“But then, very soon after, there was all this support and encouragement from around the world.”

Owens revealed that he had to leave Trader Joe’s after the news broke.

“It wasn’t like I stopped knowing I was going to make a lot of money soon or anything,” he explained.

“I just felt like I couldn’t withstand that kind of control and attacks on my privacy.”

Geoffrey Owens, the popular “Cosby Show” actor, opened up about the backlash he faced after working at Trader Joe’s and the financial struggles he continues to struggle with

In a recent interview, Owens revealed that he had left Trader Joe’s before the news broke

He praised the grocery chain and revealed that he even asked for additional store hours.

Owens emphasized that despite his successful acting career, he still faces financial difficulties, a fact that surprised many.

“Even today, even as we speak, I’m still struggling to make a living,” he said.

“I struggle every day to make ends meet.

“And people can’t imagine that because they see me in movies.”

Owens stated that his Cosby Show residuals were not material and that the show’s removal from syndication had a significant impact on his income.

He said that the leftovers “were never particularly wonderful for me, I was here and there. I did maybe twenty percent of the shows.”

The viral attention in 2018 led to a flood of acting opportunities for Owens.

Owens stated that his “Cosby Show” residuals were not material and that the show’s removal from syndication had a significant impact on his income

Tyler Perry cast him in The Haves and the Have Nots and he landed roles in Power, Power Book II: Ghost, NCIS: New Orleans, Billions and All Rise.

He currently appears in Damon Wayans’ sitcom Poppa’s House and recently starred in the family film Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza.

Recalling his time at Trader Joe’s, Owens told People in 2018 that the experience was born out of necessity after reruns of The Cosby Show dropped.

He said: “That was one of the elements that led me to get to the point where I said to myself, ‘I have to do something’ and thought, ‘What can I do?'” and the answer finally came from Trader Joe’s, which is actually a wonderful situation for me in many ways.”