Geoffrey Owens: From Trader Joe's to The Pitt

0:00It's March 27. This is Entertainment in Celebrity News today. AI powered stories from the spotlight. Jeffrey Owens, best known for his role on the Cosby Show, made headlines back in August 2018 when photos surfaced of him working at A. Trader Joe's in Clifton, New Jersey. The actor had been bagging groceries to make ends meet, but the viral attention led him to step away from the job. Now he's landing a steady gig on the hit medical drama, The Pit, playing Dr. Clay Barrett, a cardiothoracic surgeon in season 2, episode 13. That episode airs this Thursday, April 2nd, giving Owens a chance to shine on a show that's already racked up Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics. Choice awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Owens spent seven years as Elvin Tipido, on the Cosby Show, and has popped up in guest spots on shows like Law and Order, It's Always Sunny In, Philadelphia, and Billions over the years. The Trader Joe's spotlight brought mixed reactions, with plenty of support from Hollywood

1:02folks like Tyler Perry, who cast him in the haves in Have, NOTS, and Nicki Minaj, who sent $25,000 that Owens donated to charity. Still, he quit the store gig because the constant cameras invaded his privacy as a low-key guy. Since then, Owens has kept booking work, including roles on power, all rise, and Papa's house, from 2020 to 2024, plus upcoming. Films like A Merry Little X-Maws and Na Na's in 2025. He even went back to Trader Joe's recently asking for more hours, praising it as a great workplace amid his ongoing hustle. His story highlights the ups and downs of acting life, where residuals from older shows like The Cosby Show aren't always enough, especially with limited episodes under his belt. Viewers can catch Owens bringing his skills to the pit soon, proving he's still very much in the game.