Fox News is being accused by many on social media of shaming former “Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owen after it reported he was spotted bagging groceries in a New Jersey Trader Joe’s.
The “Cosby Show” alum — who played Sondra Huxtable’s husband Elvin on the final five seasons of the hit sitcom from 1985 to 1992 — was captured on camera by a shopper at a Clifton, New Jersey market, and Fox ran with it. The outlet was criticized on social media for what many saw as a former actor just trying to make a living.
Owens’ reps and Fox News didn’t respond immediately to TheWrap’s request for comment.
'Cosby Show' actor Geoffrey Owens spotted bagging groceries at NJ Trader Joe's https://t.co/bhkxWYa9gq
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 31, 2018
“‘Geoffrey Owens still acts occasionally, works at Trader Joe’s, and ministers to others in need, setting a good example for people everywhere. What a great guy,’ That’s what @FoxNews should have said,” writes Texas Congressional candidate Dayna Steele.
“Geoffrey Owens still acts occasionally, works at Trader Joe’s, and ministers to others in need, setting a good example for people everywhere. What a great guy.” That’s what @FoxNews should have said. https://t.co/Q14ZkpotYQ
— Dayna Steele (@daynasteele) September 1, 2018
The shopper who spotted Owens told the Daily Mail that she recognized Owens last Saturday night. “I was just in Trader Joe’s and I said to my wife, I said, ‘Wait a minute, that’s the guy from The Cosby Show,’” Karma Lawrence told the outlet.
Owens has continued to act since “The Cosby Show” ended, appearing in guest roles on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “That’s So Raven.” He most recently was featured in an episode of “Lucifer” in 2017. Others accused Fox News of being hypocrites because their on-air anchors are constantly talking about “economic anxiety” among older, working-class Americans.
You can read more reactions below:
https://twitter.com/SethMacFarlane/status/1035778913874505728
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
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
#NOSHAME in good, honest, hard work. He’s being a man in doing what he needs to do to provide for himself and his family. Much respect to you Sir! https://t.co/rQoNdnj6bd
— Blair Underwood (@BlairUnderwood) September 2, 2018
Those of us who have been in this industry awhile know the determination it takes, through good times and bad. We’ve all been there.
I got nothin’ but love for you, #GeoffreyOwens. An honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. https://t.co/UUQg6KHdQL— Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) September 2, 2018
There are so many ridiculous misconceptions about actors I could write a book about it! A tip of the hat this #LaborDay to honor all #ActorsWithDayJobs. Hold your head high Geoffrey! I'm also a proud @sagaftra @ActorsEquity & @directorsguild member & supporter! #UnionStrong https://t.co/SbVu6jgE22
— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) September 3, 2018
And he’s making more money than Cosby these days. Good for him. Now maybe some casting director will take note of a fine man who swallows his pride and is willing to work. #GeoffreyOwens https://t.co/B1rkk5vLjC
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 2, 2018
Right now I'm on the of the lucky few who gets to just be an actor. But for 15+ years, I was also an admin assistant, customer service manager, online community manager, freelance writer, telemarketer, & SAT tutor… & will do it again if I gotta. #ActorsWithDayJobs #LaborDay https://t.co/nAv5NTlSY6
— Rebecca Metz (@TheRebeccaMetz) September 3, 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
In between One Tree Hill and Cougar Town I went back to work as a cocktail waitress. During the first season of Crazy Ex I sold Beauty Counter (don’t at me, I like MLMs). Work is work, no one job is better than another. https://t.co/BeElvFzYTI
— Audrey Wauchope Lieberstein (@audreyalison) September 1, 2018
Waitress, hostess, box office worker, nanny, receptionist, personal organizer. The norm for an artist is not being paid to do what we love, the norm is to HUSTLE and do whatever it takes to chase that dream. There is no shame in that—only pride. #ActorsWithDayJobs #laborday https://t.co/GypQs9HrLi
— Vella Lovell (@vellalovell) September 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/itsjulieberman/status/1036634940241113088
Thank U @sagaftraFOUND I’m a proud, union working actor for 30 yrs & at various times, between acting gigs, I waitressed, painted houses, & cooked in a restaurant kitchen. Cheers to ALL actors who take care of themselves & their families. #LaborDay #ActorsWithDayJobs ?? https://t.co/WrwqAeTHYt
— Jessica Collins (@JessicaCollins) September 3, 2018