Geoffrey Owens, well known for his role in The Cosby Show, made an inspiring appearance at Sunday night's Screen Actors Guild awards, where he referenced his recent career struggles.
The actor made headlines last year when he was "job-shamed" after being photographed working in a Los Angeles branch of the supermarket Trader Joe's. After the photographs were published, fans and celebrities rushed to his defense.
On Sunday, Owens took part in the "I Am An Actor" segment which traditionally opens the SAG Awards.
Addressing the camera directly he said: "Somewhere in the middle of the road of my life, I found myself in the dark wood of unemployment and debt, but instead of switching careers like a sane person, I took a job at a local Trader Joe's to see if I could hang in there with my career and it's actually worked out pretty well.
"I'm Geoffrey Owens and I am an actor."
I love Geoffrey Owens!!!! #SAGAwards pic.twitter.com/JCQqQQAHPS
— Stephanie Sidley (@StephanieSidley) January 28, 2019
His monologue drew huge applause from the audience.
Owens rose to fame as Elvin Tibideaux in The Cosby Show. He starred on the sitcom from 1985 to 1992 and went on to appear in a number of shows including Divorce, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
Since making headlines late last year, the actor has been offered roles in the TV shows NCIS: New Orleans, The Haves And Have Nots and the movies Fatale and Hide And Seek.
