Former “Cosby Show” star Geoffrey Owens

Owens, best known for playing the Huxtables’ son-in-law Elvin Tibideaux on the hit ’80s sitcom, was thrust into the limelight over the weekend after a woman photographed him bagging groceries at a New Jersey Trader Joe’s. The photo led to a wider conversation about work ethic, and job-shaming.

SAG Awards 2019

Former “Cosby Show” star Geoffrey Owens says he took a job bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s in part because Bill Cosby’s abuse scandal cut into the income Owens received from “Cosby Show” residuals.

Owens drew widespread attention — and praise — after The Daily Mail tabloid reported that he had taken a job at Trader Joe’s between acting gigs. Many fans took issue with the tabloid’s mockery, noting that Owens should be praised for earning a paycheck between acting gigs.