The acting industry was appalled this past weekend when FOX News featured a story that many felt was a non-story about former Cosby Show star Geoffrey Owens now working in a New Jersey-area Trader Joe’s… and soap opera stars were no exception.
Owens, who played Elvin Tibideaux, husband of Cosby daughter, Sondra, on the 1980s and 1990s legendary sitcom, was spotted bagging groceries in the trendy supermarket and FOX made the story go viral after it was first published in The Daily Mail.
As nearly any professional actor knows, taking different ‘odd jobs’ between gigs is common because the bills need to be paid somehow.
Soap stars took to social media to discuss the value of hard work, and let us know the types of jobs they took when acting wasn’t paying the bills. Read on and see what they have to say in the tweets below.
As for this writer, well, back in high school when The Cosby Show was at the height of its popularity, her Brooklyn high school drama class went to see a small production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It in Manhattan.
After the play, there was a workshop, partly taught by one of the show’s stars, Geoffrey Owens. This writer recognized him and her teenage brain asked why he was doing this if he’s on TV. He answered that being an actor is not all about being on TV. Point taken.
The acting profession is tough. How can people criticize a hard working man? https://t.co/BhfuHK5Wj0
— Wally Kurth (@wallykurth) September 2, 2018
I went from my shifts at Umami Burger to mansions in Beverly Hills to work birthday parties, to Culver City to babysit until 3am the next day—while auditioning. I had a budget of approx $10/week for food because I had to pay rent. Thanks for sharing, @japastu https://t.co/U8usbSNXeX
— Chloe Lanier (@chloelanier) September 3, 2018
The day I filmed “Seinfeld” I had to rush back to my job waiting tables in Santa Monica because I hadn’t been able to get my shift covered. Where’s my shame, @FoxNews? https://t.co/BPHOAUkr93
— James Patrick Stuart (@japastu) September 3, 2018
I was bartending full time in West Hollywood this time last year. When you’re an actor, you often have to mitigate periods of unemployment. I can only imagine why @FoxNews felt this was newsworthy, but there is nothing shameful about working and providing for your family. https://t.co/I0AcKgvQaM
— Martha Madison (@Marth27) September 1, 2018
But more importantly, who’s to say #GeofferyOwens isn’t happy? I think it’s great this opens a platform for dialogue about the reality of being an actor. But let’s spend less time making speculations about other people and inserting our own insecurities on them, wouldn’t you say?
— julie berman (@itsjulieberman) September 3, 2018
Thank U @sagaftraFOUND I’m a proud, union working actor for 30 yrs & at various times, between acting gigs, I waitressed, painted houses, & cooked in a restaurant kitchen. Cheers to ALL actors who take care of themselves & their families. #LaborDay #ActorsWithDayJobs 💪🎭 https://t.co/WrwqAeTHYt
— Jessica Collins (@JessicaCollins) September 3, 2018
So we’re not elites after all. Just regular folks that do what it takes to survive and support a family. Good for him! And shame on you @FoxNews for your bullying tactic! How is this news worthy?! https://t.co/mEghmREh9T
— David Fumero (@davidfumero) September 3, 2018
After I left GH in 2013, I immediately signed up to be an Uber driver. In this business there are peaks and valleys and you never know how long they’ll last. No shame in making a living. Only shame in mocking others… https://t.co/qXIIvJNIqq
— Bradford Anderson (@BfordAnderson) September 2, 2018
As soon as I moved home from LA I got a waitress job. I was SO excited about it. I had a blast. Worked there for a 1year & 1/2 . I have more respect for the people I worked w/ there than many I had worked with in “the business”. No one should feel shamed for their job😡💔 https://t.co/LmCdVo0jHG
— Kristen Alderson (@krisalderson) September 3, 2018
❤️ this! In NY right now filming a movie for Lifetime but simultaneously searching for the right house for my buyer while I am gone! #actorswithdayjobs #Realtor #Actor https://t.co/CcFoV0vT8u
— Chrishell Hartley (@Chrishell7) September 3, 2018
Video Credit: Days Of Our Lives Fan Clips
Video Credit: kerster22
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