Celebrity Info
Geoffrey Owens was an American actor, born on March 18, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, Geoffrey Owens was the son of Ethel, a dedicated teacher of music and literature, and Major Owens, who began his career as a librarian before transitioning into politics. Major Owens went on to serve as a New York State Senator from 1975 to 1982, and later represented New York in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 2007. He passed away in 2013. Geoffrey Owens also had two brothers—Chris, who followed in their father’s political footsteps, and Millard, known for his work as an activist.
In terms of education, Geoffrey Owens spent a year at the High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan, a prestigious institution that had previously nurtured talents like Eartha Kitt and Liza Minnelli. He later graduated from Yale University in 1983, earning his degree cum laude. It was during these formative years that Geoffrey Owens developed a deep passion for theater, particularly Shakespearean works. This love led him to found and direct The Brooklyn Shakespeare Company, and he also shared his expertise by teaching and performing at respected institutions such as Columbia and Yale.
Geoffrey Owens made his mark on television with what would become his most iconic role. In 1985, he joined the cast of The Cosby Show (NBC, 1984–1992), portraying Elvin Tibideaux, the boyfriend of Sondra Huxtable. His performance resonated with audiences, and he remained a regular throughout the show’s run until its conclusion. Making his film debut in Ron Howard’s The Paper in 1994, Geoffrey Owens continued expanding his repertoire. He then starred briefly in the short-lived sitcom Built to Last (NBC, 1997) as part of the main ensemble.
Over the years, Geoffrey Owens appeared in numerous popular TV series. In 1999, he had a role on Law & Order (NBC, 1990–2010), and later guest-starred on That’s So Raven (Disney Channel, 2003–07) in 2007—the same year he also appeared on Boston Legal (ABC, 2004–08). One of his more memorable appearances came through multiple cameos on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 2005– ), where Geoffrey Owens played a fictionalized, exaggerated version of himself, humorously impersonating public figures like Donovan McNabb, Tiger Woods, and Don Cheadle.
Geoffrey Owens continued to take on diverse roles across stage and screen. In 2014, he portrayed Prince Escalus in a stage production of Romeo & Juliet, which featured stars Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad. Later, he landed a recurring role as Gerald in the first season of Divorce (HBO, 2016– ). That same period saw him making episodic appearances on shows like Blue Bloods (CBS, 2010– ), Lucifer (Fox, 2016– ), and The Blacklist (NBC, 2013– ) in 2017. In 2018, Geoffrey Owens appeared in an episode of Elementary (CBS, 2012– ), but it wasn’t just his acting that made headlines that year.
A series of photos went viral showing Geoffrey Owens working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey. While some mocked the image of a former TV actor in a retail job, many rallied behind him, recognizing the financial instability often faced by performers. Geoffrey Owens spoke out about feeling victimized by job shaming, emphasizing that there was dignity in all honest work. The public response was largely supportive, and actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry stepped in, offering him a role on The Haves and the Have Nots (Oprah Winfrey Network, 2013– ), which Geoffrey Owens accepted with gratitude.
Throughout his life and career, Geoffrey Owens remained committed to his craft while navigating the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. His journey reflects both the challenges and resilience of artists striving to make a living doing what they love.
So, when we take a look at Geoffrey Owens’s filmography, it’s pretty interesting to see how his career has spanned different kinds of roles over the years. Now, if you’re wondering about the standout in his acting journey, Geoffrey Owens’s highest rated movie is definitely The Paper from 1994—a solid film that really showcased his talent. On the flip side, not every project hits the same high notes, and unfortunately, Geoffrey Owens’s lowest rated film came much later with Hide and Seek in 2021. Still, it’s worth noting that being part of diverse projects like these shows the range and persistence of Geoffrey Owens throughout his career.
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