Pamela Adlon speaks out against ‘job shaming’

Pamela Adlon

“Better Things” actress Pamela Adlon took to Instagram to talk about her own experiences with employment, in support of former “The Cosby Show” actor, Geoffrey Owens, who was recently spotted working as a grocery bagger. The revelation led to some reports that “job-shamed” the African-American actor.

Adlon, who is a two-time Emmy nominee for her mom role in “Better Things,” wrote in the caption of Owens’ photo, “I had been a working actor for years. Jobs stopped, [as] they do for actors. I got a job at a flower shop. My agent … came in and said, ‘What are you doing here?’ I asked the same of him.”

She continued, “I was grateful for the work. It’s always about the work. Work gives you pride and purpose. Your visibility as an actor never goes away, but the money does.”

Ex-“Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens.

Adlon, 52, is also a voice actor for animated projects, like her current character, Sam, in the semiautobiographical show. She added, “Thank you for putting this [very] good and honest man on everyone’s radar. A tsunami of encouragement, respect and job offers are the result of your sh**ty shaming.”

Owens, 57, is thankful for the overwhelming support on social media. He said in his recent “Good Morning America” interview: “Every job is worthwhile and valuable … No one should feel sorry for me. I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a great career … that most actors would die for.”—OLIVER PULUMBARIT