Earlier this month, Geoffrey Owens found a new wave of fame when a photo of him working at Trader Joe’s surfaced. Amid the backlash, there was some good that came out of the viral image — Owens received a handful of scripts from creators like Tyler Perry and NCIS: New Orleans to get back on the silver screen.
After a series of interviews with various media outlets, the 57-year-old also received a donation from Nicki Minaj. The Queen rapper gave him $25,000 to show her support, adding, “Some people are on the Internet and seeking attention, and he’s just the antithesis of that.”
Owens donated the dividends in the name of late actor Earle Hyman, who played Dr. Cliff Huxtable’s father on The Cosby Show. “I am extremely grateful to Nicki Minaj for enabling struggling actors to continue pursuing their dreams,” Owens said to TMZ. “I’m happy to be a part of a great cause.” Minaj added. “I wish Geoffrey much success and want him to know how loved he is. Rest in Peace to Earle Hyman.”
In an interview with CNN, Owens said the news of his photo only upset him for a couple of hours. “It was hurtful but very short-lived,” he said. “What has been sustained, now over days, is how much love and support there is. Not just for me, but for working people. The idea that, ‘Hey, what’s wrong with working at Trader Joe’s, or any job like that?’ ” Owens is most famously known for his role as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show.
READ MORE: Geoffrey Owens Responds To Trader Joe’s Job Shaming On ‘GMA’
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