Everyone applauded when famed director Tyler Perry offered former ‘The Cosby Show’ star Geoffrey Owens a role on his TV drama after photos of Owens’ bagging groceries at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey went viral over the Labor Day weekend.
Many assumed Owens would jump at the chance to work with Perry. But Owens doesn’t share their enthusiasm.
“#GeoffreyOwens I’m about to start shooting OWN’s (Oprah Winfrey Network) number one drama next week! Come join us!!!” Perry tweeted on Tuesday. “I have so much respect for people who hustle between gigs. The measure of a true artist.”
Owens, who played Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show from 1985 to 1992, responded to Tyler’s offer, telling news show Entertainment Tonight, that Perry’s offer was “kind of cool.
But Owens was a bit skeptical because Perry had never offered to audition him before his photos went viral on social media.
“I mean, that kind of sounded like he was saying, ‘Come work with me’. I’m so, like, skeptical. Like, really? Are you actually saying come work with me? Because we’ve never worked together before. So, that’s a very, very generous thing for him to say. And we’ll see what happens with that.”
He is almost 60 no? Totally don’t think he means it like that. At his age and point in life you can’t sell him a bridge in Brooklyn. Or any other magic. I Dont think he is ungrateful. Cautious
I knew the acting gigs would start pouring in once that picture and story went viral.
Geoffrey, trust your heart and your instincts and first and foremost, do what’s best for your family. I’m sure if it is a legit job offer from Tyler, his people will find a way to connect you with him so that you all can talk out the details. All the best going forward, man.
Right. I would be too. He’s very experienced with the business and broken promises are probably why he was working at trader joe’s in the first place.
I always thought that ‘Elvin’ would be a little slow in real life.
That makes zero sense.
You point out that he’s almost 60 add to that fact that he’s African American.
There aren’t that many roles for that particular combination.
He sounds like Monique–broadcasting his every thought.
All he had to do was talk to Tyler about the role and consider it privately.
Well they asked him publicly and that is what he said. *shrug* Not everyone has an answer picked out when they are asked something offguard. These actors, singers, pulic folks are human and off the cuff too.
If you don’t have an answer then wait until you do before you respond.
No one was rushing him to answer Tyler’s offer.
No, his response was like pride when he said he didn’t want offers just because people knew he was working at Trader Joe’s-as if the offers were out of pity or something.
I’m like blessings come in many different ways.
Don’t block them due to pride.
Wait a minute… I thought I read in another article that he said that he prefers to audition for the role… instead of just getting the role for doing nothing…
I feel what you are saying but he didnt lie though. No one was thinking about him before the pictures circulated. He sounded appreciative to me but just as skeptical as I would be… although I would keep my doubts to myself. I’m sure he doesn’t want the pity and would prefer ppl to book him based on talent and not for charity.
Now you try to help a black man when you own your own sh..t and this is the thanks you get.?? we are weird but if spielberg offered the job you would have tapped danced your balloon belly over to DreamWorks studios in a second.
Don’t do it!
you ain’t told one lie… he would’ve signed right on up to play the next house slave in Amistad the sequel
????
Lol, but too soon ?
Exactly…. Tyler Perry didn’t even have to put that out there for real… You could have just released some type of poster via social media with the next project with him in it
Um…. he has every right to be skeptical. He knows very well the peril that awaits him in Hollyweird. Working at Trader Joes was probably even therapeutic for him, when compared to that toxic environment.
And let’s not act like we haven’t heard the rumors about what men have to do to get a role in Tyler’s projects #howyewdoin
Hello?
Lol. Ok. A black man(Cosby) giving him a job is the reason he is famous in the first place. He may be hatd to work with. There’s a reason hes not working with a Degree from Yale as an actor regularly.
He is the fictional character Elvin personified.
Well as they say… A booking is a booking… and negative publicity is what put so many artists on top or keep some on top…. Insert any artist in your mind here:_______…?
So whose casting couch do you think he had to lie on to get his spot on the Cosby show for five seasons?
Instead of expressing his “skepticism” to the media, maybe he should have just given Tyler a call to see if the offer is legit or not. Not everything has to go through the media. Just talk to him, man to man. Plain and simple.
TP went about this backwards. Clearly Mr. Owens, don’t feel right referencing him by his given name, has some pride. He had also stated BEFORE TP’s offer that he wouldn’t take any offers due to publicity of the pics as folks can SAY anything on twitter. If TP had reached out to his AGENT beforehand and made arrangements to audition or offer a role, THEN publicly offer on Twitter (so everyone knows how generous you are, lol), I don’t think that Mr. Owens would be all that skeptical as there is communication that is leading to a possible contract. All I’m says is come on TP, be professional about it if his hustle is THAT impressive to you.
that is exactly what he said… this here is spin.
Let him be n keep it moving
Ok well stay at Trader Joe’s then….. Nigs man
Do you want the gig or not Geoffrey??
I thought so! Sandra over here coming up with her own version of the story!… Lmao!
Po Geoffrey.
Never kick a gift horse in face.
Don’t bite the hand that wants to feed you.
What in hell. Um sir, please check his credentials, keep your doubts to yourself. Gee whiz
So much respect for Geoffey Owens.
When he talked to Robin Roberts he said “I don’t want a job because of this situation, I want a job on my merit as an actor for a role I am genuinely good for.” Those words are not verbatim, but I took it to mean, he doesn’t just want a job because you feel sorry for him, he wants to go through the process just as anyone else would have too.
That’s what I heard exactly. Hard working man right there.
Would have tapped danced your balloon belly over to DreamWorks studios in a second.
———-
Dead. Lmao ? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7b8f6e72ced7fba534f00d661bc88836380332b992f0eb435ea4bfc986cff42b.gif
Still wish you all the luck, man.
Ooooohhhh. The shade.
Now Geoffrey I was rooting for you, don’t go messing up what God has planned for you. Mess around & be working at Home Depot.
Sandra, you just twisted this man’s words around and made shit soup. He is more surprised than skeptical IMO. Although he did say in so many words he didn’t want to be given roles out of pitty.
Read the actual quote instead of the headline. They give two different impressions.
Whether U a thespian or not. It’s ALL about who U know in Hollywood. Not always about talent or longevity.So when a opportunity comes along U better take it.
Tyler and the world already knows Geoffrey is a good actor. So it wouldn’t be like he’s taking a chance on him. I know a lot of actors don’t feel Tyler’s projects are a good look. But it’s only a few roles available for black actors.
Hey Geoffrey! Don’t block ur blessings! Keep your skepticism to yourself until you talk to Tyler – js.
Tyler Perry want that ass
Wish this man all of the success in the world. Good for him for not being too proud to do what it takes!!
Geoffrey probably seen that Boondocks episode…he dont want none of what Tyler and his pink shirt klan have to offer…
Right!!! Geoffrey is like thanks, I’m good luv, my bootay is not for sale.
Tyler’s shows are the complete opposite of The Cosby show (pre-scandal)…regardless of how much of a creep Bill was/is his show still made black women look just as powerful as black men…Tyler turns all the black women in his shows into crackheads, hookers, or former crackheads and hookers smh…Tyler’s depiction of black women in his shows are so one dimensional and it burns me up!!!
Now I’m skeptical that this guy still wanted to act…why didn’t he ever seek out auditions with Tyler’s company considering how he is known for employing black actors… Closed mouths don’t get fed… You gotta be “Joe” out here in your search of stardom
Everybody that is saying that he should be glad he is getting an offer from TP. I mean I must have missed the memo where this man was out here begging for acting jobs, the last I remember he was minding his own business working a honest 9-5 when somebody CHOSE to try to EMBARASS him. Clearly, this man isn’t pressed about taking any ole ACTING job, or he wouldn’t be working at Trader Joes between gigs. Seems like to me he is selective with his body of work, clearly he has some type of integrity, and let us not ACT like the rumors of Mama Perry’s casting SECTIONAL couch isn’t legendary, and EVERYBODY aint willing to get DOWN to be DOWN.
Sandra did you see the interview with the old azz chick who took the photo? 50 years old saying she didn’t know why. FOH
EXACTLY!
This is why I like Tyler Perry! Folks may not like his movies but one thing he will do is keep a black actor employed. Kudos to him for reaching out and offering to work with this man.
LOLOLOLOL ?
HATE to admit it but my thoughts went there!! I wanted to be happy for him and am but I hope and pray this is a genuine request where nothing has to be given up in order to get something in return because of his position.
LMBAOFFFFFFF ???
He sounded like he was open to the idea of working with TP. I think y’all are being wayyy too harsh about a situation you have no understanding of.
There are literally thousands of unemployed actors and actresses with degrees from Ivy League universities. He is not uncommon.
No one. Light skinned dudes were in during that time plus his father was a NY State Senator soooo he was already in the “in-crowd”.
Those. Cosby residual checks slowed since cosby scandal. Notice when he started work their. Basically around time when networks started yanking cosby reruns except bounce tv.
This. Keywords: “between acting jobs.” According to imDb he’s still acting.
Tyler could be the devil and not a blessing it rumors a man have to have sex with him to get a job
Name some. Angela Bassett and her husband Courtney Vance are ivy league grads and they stay working.
This man should be grateful Tyler Perry offered an extended hand while praising his work ethic as an artist.
Mr. Perry has a host of nlacks that work for him when Hollywood snubs them. He has #1 shows.
This is a blessing for him. Tyler Perry helped Keisha Pulliam another Cosby show alumni reboot her career. He said people only see her as Rudy from Cosby thats why she not working during that time.
This dude said hes ok. So let him be.
Chile Tyler will honor his wishes … Tyler is a giver and loving ….. This is what Tyler do constantly …. he sends olive branches … you can either take it or keep it pushing with him …. he doesn’t hold ill will to those that decline …. prime example Monique https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/520deb0edf82fd2f10f4236d48983582a2ccdd879e3fec8d0d3203fe946fd0b9.gif ….. and I applaud him …. I’m the same way … Tyler doesn’t have to prove nothing … nor does Mr. Melvin … in other words it’s all good either way … take it or leave it
I think he’s just being cautious. He’s getting a lot of attention right now and he’s been in the business long enough to know how flaky and sketchy folks are. He’ll believe it when he sees it basically.
You want me to name thousands of actors whom attended Ivy Leagues even though *you* wouldn’t know their names either way? lol Now, you’re being facetious. There’s a reason he should be wary of Tyler Perry….
Man this ….. the blessings flow … don’t ever allow pride or skeptism block ya …..
I hope he comes through for him. I don’t think this man was disrespectful when he said he was skeptical, he’s probably just used to things not working out.
Those residual checks slowed because the show is over 20 years old. He wouldn’t be getting that much now anyways.
Where was this! I want to see it.
Nothing in life is free especially when you’re dealing with TP…..
That’s nice but tyler perry should have called him instead of making it public
Thank you! You have people in these comments acting like TP is like the 2nd coming of Christ himself. TP is a savage businessman. He hasn’t been in Hollyweird this long for no reason.
Tyler is far from flaky …. chile …. that’s fear ….. Tyler is a giver …. can’t put that man in the box of the trolls with the industry .. precisely why he is in Atlanta and gives how he wants ….. folks need to recognize a blessing … everyone ain’t out to get ya especially when the enemy has already been slammed …. I know for fact Tyler good peoples … he is not like some despite how people feels because he chooses to be private about his sexual life and family … he is adamant on giving … just like myself … there are people out here get slammed daily about giving freely … case and point my azz … all of my services are free …. Free … why because there is enough to go around …… I don’t charge people ….. I give and look for nothing in return but a smile and a inner knowing that I helped someone get out of a place where I have been …. when you have been there you automatically want to help others if you are a lover of God…. literally there are no strings attached with givers like us … we give and give freely ….Tyler a giver …. and so is Melvin ….. end rant and this is nothing against your comment … just stating facts …. Much love and I fwill continue to give and either folks can take the olive branch or go with another …. it doesn’t hurt the giver because the giver is too focused more on other folks they can give too https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cda4925ca1d357264787be9b5ccd589f4b0940cb9442847e1840c0a193a331e3.gif
I don’t blame him for not trusting Tyler or anybody else that is coming out of the woodwork to “help”. Dude was minding his business just last week. I also don’t see the issue with him answering interview questions. He hasn’t been in the limelight in decades so he isn’t media trained for the sharks that are going to attack his every word/sentence.
The real question is, are you sleeping with Tyler? You have been defending him right, left and center in these comments which makes your comments seem very suspicious. Nobody is perfect or that “giving” including Mz Tyler Perry.
TP’s films and shows caters to a certain audience. The Black actors that work with him tend to already be a part of that chitlin circuit scene. If that’s not his type of films or movies, why would he audition or even think to audition?
I think Geoffrey is not only interested in fame. Therefore, he finds no need to immediately accept an offer just because Perry offered. He was probably happier than he’d ever been while working at Trader Joes. Now he’s back in the spotlight and look at the mess. Everybody all up in his business.
The same could be said of TP. He could have kept the offer private and contacted him privately.
I don’t think TP’s films/movies are Geoffrey’s cup of tea but he does sound open to hearing TP’s offer.
Tyler could have kept the offer private as well…..
Instead of TP publicly offering a job, why didn’t TP just call the man up? All of this is sketchy to me.
Owen’s flat out said he didn’t just want jobs given to him because this silly incident. A dignified actor of that caliber doesnt need handouts. He wasn’t out begging for a role. He was minding his owown business and someone decided to try and shame him for doing honest work. What Tyler did isnt impressive. He cldve just called the man but no he had to fuel the media spectacle by using social media. And only to get attention for himself. Like he doing someone a favor. That being said, kudos to everyone who showed genuine love and came to the defense of Owen’s. As someone who grew up watching him, it was nice to see that everyone had his back. The entertainment industry is brutal and you see how it destroys its stars so it always good to show love and appreciation to the ones who seem to have been forgotten.
Because the opportunity exists…
If he wanted to be that selective then he wasn’t targeting roles he could actually get in an industry that already makes it difficult for black actors to get roles.
I don’t think that was the case here though because his response makes it seem like he is ok with working with TP.
Yeah, he could not have offered. I think he was trying to support him like all the millions of people that wished him well.
why have skepticism at all if you say you want to start acting again.? It’s not like tyler perry cannot get this man a well paying job he owns the studio.
I think he’s open to working with Tyler since Tyler has offered. However, I do not think TP films/shows are his cup of tea and he would not have voluntarily auditioned for them.
And that would have been fine as well. The man was not begging anybody for an acting gig/role. He was literally just minding his own business at work last week.
No job is without dignity — except maybe ‘acting’ in something created by Tyler Perry.
Why not be skeptical? Do you believe everything everybody tells you?
You should have put “created” in quotation marks too because you know how TP gets down with taking others ideas….
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e619703588a8dddf7ba5f0fa047392b946e970be8045b022dd6d922cf2e24c12.gif
Owens has been around for a while so he knows a con when he sees one.
Maybe Home Depot IS in God’s plan. This man has every right and reason to trust his instinct.
Well did he ever audition for Tyler in the past? No! He have to get over feeling that way because any job he get, the notion of any job he get is not about his talent and all about people pity on him.
?????
He wants to audition and earn it; good for him.
Tyler Got to let the World know his good deeds huh
Not trying to be slick. Are you speaking on his behalf. When you give a offer, you are allowed to to do it how you see fit. He could have said, Thanks for the offer, but I’m holding out for Cosby Reboot.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/de66098e45a4e63b63cbe323bee49f131dd5f67d6a27c532b25eadd76e175cb3.gif
He told Robin Roberts that he was adverse to take any role because it would seem like charity because people felt sorry for him because he worked as a cashier.
I’m thinking whatever, dude.
I took no offense and I am not speaking on his behalf. I am stating the FACTS. He was working and minding his business last week…. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8a2f1bed5532055c9b54b0eb8231707eef7d7e8f8574905e2b7cc4d813087609.gif
I don’t think he meant it in a disrespectful way, but I can relate to how he feels. I also really have to see something happening to believe it, I don’t get my hopes up until it’s a sure thing because it takes a lot out of a person to be constantly let down by others. I’m sure Tyler Perry means we’ll and hopefully they will connect offline.
Crying laughing.
“Madea Goes to Trader Joe’s”
Did you ever audition? Ungrateful bih! Go back to bagging groceries.
See… he is a thespian chile… they look down on Tyler Perry Productions even when they are broke
Lee Daniels offered him a role on Empire/Star
NOT THE REBOOT!!! LMAO!!!!
He had a change of heart huh ?
Just take the damn job.
True story lol
Especially since dude literally said that he didn’t want pity jobs offered to him after this fiasco..
All jokes aside, he’s probably scared that Tyler will try him on the casting couch.
EWWWW…YOUR WEIRD AF!!
Okay???
Doubt it.
See. This is why his azz was bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s. All he needed to say was thank you. I would have been on the phone with Tyler and already signed the contract. Yes, there’s dignity in every job,but there’s not money. A 57-year old man with a degree from Harvard should not be working at TJ UNLESS it’s his only alternative. He has an opportunity to write his ticket…work on a series and be in Tyler Perry movies. TAKE IT DAMMIT! Obviously, he’s not a Denzel Washington or he wouldn’t be wearing a stained shirt and trying to figure out how the cash register works for 15 months. That’s not an in between job….that’s his main source of income.
But his old azz shuffling around Trader Joe’s stocking shelves and bagging groceries.
I don’t think he was disrespectful either — and you know he was shocked to even get an offer from Tyler. This could definitely revive his career…
It’s sad the amount of ignorance in this post. ??
If I only took the jobs I felt were worthy of my skills, I too would be sweeping floors at Trader Joe’s. A working actor takes a decent job to earn money and keep his skills sharp. Instead of being in a series, Owens would rather bag groceries. Shrugs. It’s his choice.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/19fb5eb6048fd4c6e4585b3093b2c296d3e70cb168aca560ad9c76a6d34de6b9.gif
??? not Ike T!
??
Tyler helped bring Rudy’s career back (she won an award from being on his show). He’s skeptical because he said he does not want a hand out like here you go I know you struggling.. instead he wants here audition for this part because it seems like you will fit the role. Shoot, Tyler can create a role just for him. Elvin better take that unexpected blessing.
He sounds shortsighted like Monique.
Just get out there and maybe someone who directs shows more to his liking will see his work and offer him a job.
He would probably fit the role of a good cashier (? joking) maybe a grocery store owner.
I hope he goes on The Haves and Have Nots and kills erbody but fine ass David Harrington.
That devil Ike,Lol!
LOL??????
He sounds like he from the school of “mama didn’t raise no heaux” …. he has a right to be skeptical because not everyone that ish on you is your enemy and not everyone that pulls you out of ish is your friend.
That wasn’t what he meant.
I love how he cleaned up his face, got some contacts, and is capitalizing off this!!
Good for him.
I’ve seen him at trader joes in Clifton and I can’t lie I took a pic and sent to my mom but she didn’t really care so i just forgot about it and just respected the fact he wanted to work honestly like the rest of us. I hope he does well because he seems like a good man.
You’re lucky you and your mom aren’t thirst traps like that other chick or your life would be a living hell right now.
I know and thank Gah for her because she keeps me grounded.
Right!!!! and let us NOT act like this dude does NOT look like he has missed one SINGLE MEAL, and I don’t say that trying to rag on dude. I am just saying leave that man alone!!!!!!! He clearly eating, and he is content….now, I am not saying he should not take advantage of new opportunities, but dude chose to work at Trader’s Joe”s in lieu of being in Hollywood FULL-TIME, and it’s for a REASON. Gotta remember, obviously Elvin has PRIDE, and he doesn’t want anyone given him a gig out of pity.
On another note, this is a “feel-good” story, because like a gospel song (I can’t remember the song right now) ,basically the song says, what the devil try to do me for my bad / harm, GOD turned it to be for my good. Just look at GOD work!!!!!!! Whomever took that picture and tipped off the paps / and blogs have basically made sure that man has to NEVER work at Trader’s Joe”s again UNLESS he REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wants to. Like my mama always say: “GOD will make your enemies footstool.
?
As if we literally don’t see the headlines about such.. YOUR SLOW AF!!!
Thank you.
That’s what adds to Owen’s skepticism. If TP was sincere he would’ve called him privately and offered him a role. He didn’t have to send a tweet out to the world so everyone would know he’s doing good charitable deeds. It was all to draw attention to TP.
Not only that, but he probably also has specific roles or productions of which he’d like to be a part. Some actors take their craft seriously and aren’t jumping on the first thing they’re offered.
Judging by your comment one would think you have a personal relationship with TP.
The facade he puts out is exactly what he’d like us to believe. Most celebrities put out an upstanding clean image but are the most narcissistic psychopaths who get up to the most vile acts behind closed doors. The “charitable acts” balance out the dark they’re involved in.
She’s a supper fan.
Thank you!
He learned his Savagery from none othe…Harpo.
Don’t forget baby mamas and the stereotypical angry black women.
Bigger issue is with Hollywood??? So who are they casting? They are passing up trained actors for who???
He is in a industry that is Fraud anyway so he should just roll with it and get a paycheck as long as he is not doing anything he finds degrading. Even though who knows how those paychecks roll… with some of those projects.
Speak on it!!