‘Cosby Show’ Star Spotted Working at NYC Bar Despite Hollywood Comeback

Geoffrey Owens is making headlines once again for a job far removed from the Hollywood spotlight, and his latest appearance is raising fresh questions about the financial realities facing even familiar television stars.

The 65-year-old actor, best known for playing Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, has reportedly been working at New York City’s famous White Horse Tavern, greeting customers and handing out menus despite recently landing a role on one of television’s most popular medical dramas.

According to photographs published by RadarOnline on October 24, Owens was seen welcoming diners and chatting with guests at the historic West Village establishment. One couple who recognized the former sitcom star even posed for a photograph with him, praising his kindness and friendly demeanor.

The sighting is particularly surprising considering Owens recently appeared in the second season of HBO Max’s hit drama The Pitt, playing Dr. Clay Barrett. His television comeback also includes appearances in CBS’s Poppa’s House and Netflix’s Nonnas, proving he has continued finding work in Hollywood.

But for longtime fans, the photographs may bring back memories of another unexpected moment in Owens’ career.

In 2018, the actor became the center of a national controversy when photographs surfaced showing him working as a cashier at a Trader Joe’s grocery store in Clifton, New Jersey. Some social media users mocked the former television star, questioning how someone who appeared on one of America’s biggest sitcoms could end up bagging groceries.

The backlash quickly turned into an outpouring of support, with celebrities and fans defending Owens for earning an honest living. Filmmaker Tyler Perry even offered him a role on his OWN drama The Haves and the Have Nots, helping introduce the actor to a new generation of viewers.

Owens later explained that the grocery store job allowed him to support himself while continuing to pursue acting opportunities. He also spoke out against the idea that certain jobs should be considered beneath someone simply because they once appeared on television.

Unfortunately, his renewed Hollywood exposure did not necessarily translate into financial security.

During a candid 2024 interview on Atlanta’s Big Tigger Morning Show, Owens revealed that he was still having trouble paying his bills despite regularly appearing in movies and television shows.

“I struggle every day to make my ends meet,” he admitted, explaining that audiences often assume recognizable actors are earning far more money than they actually receive.

Owens also revealed that he had approached Trader Joe’s about potentially returning to work there, even after the embarrassing publicity surrounding his original grocery store job.

The actor explained that occasional television appearances, residual payments and smaller acting roles do not always provide enough income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, especially when work arrives unpredictably.

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Now, eight years after those grocery store photographs sparked a national conversation, Owens is once again attracting attention for taking on work outside the entertainment industry.

It remains unclear whether his position at the White Horse Tavern is permanent, part-time or temporary. Owens has not explained his reasons for working there in the newly published report, and there is no confirmation that the job is connected to his current financial situation.

Still, the unexpected sighting highlights a reality that Owens has spent years trying to explain: appearing on a successful television show does not necessarily mean an actor is financially set for life.

And while fans may be surprised to see a familiar Hollywood face handing them a menu instead of appearing on their television screens, Owens has made one thing clear throughout his career. He has never believed there is anything shameful about working for a living.