Alleged Job-Shamed Actor From NJ Trader Joe's Speaks Out

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Actor Geoffrey Owens spoke out on "Good Morning America" Tuesday after taking criticism or doing something millions of people do everyday: Providing for his family.

Owens appeared in 44 episodes of "The Cosby Show" as Elvin Tibideaux, the boyfriend and later husband of Sondra Huxtable. He had to take work at a Trader Joe's in Clifton in order to provide for his family, according to multiple reports.

"I wanted a job where I could have some flexibility with and try and stay in acting," Owens said on "Good Morning America." He said people recognized him everyday.

He said he felt like he was "job-shamed" on social media after someone took a photo of him bagging groceries. But Owens does not want anybody to feel bad for him.

Owens has been steadily working on screen since "The Cosby Show," appearing in a variety of television shows, including "The Blacklist," "Greenport," and "Elementary," according to the Internet Movie Database.

"I've had a great life, I've had a great career," Owens said on GMA. "I've had a career that most actors would die for. No one has to feel sorry for me. I'm doing fine. There is no job that is better than another job. Every job is worth wild and valuable."

Fox News garnered criticism on Twitter for allegedly job-shaming Owens.

Watch the entire "Good Morning America" interview here:

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: YouTube screenshot of "The Cosby Show" actor Geoffrey Owens on "Good Morning America."