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Canadian actors come to defense of Cosby Show actor seen working at Trader Joe’s

Click to play video: 'Former ‘Cosby Show’ actor now working at Trader Joe’s says he’s doing just fine'
Former ‘Cosby Show’ actor now working at Trader Joe’s says he’s doing just fine
ABOVE: Former 'Cosby Show' actor now working at Trader Joe's says he's doing just fine, thanks for asking. – Sep 5, 2018

Several Canadian actors say working a day job while employed in the biz is more common than some might think, after the issue was thrust into the spotlight when a photo of “The Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens working the cash register at a Trader Joe‘s went viral.

After news of Owens’ employment was published by multiple media outlets, a legion of social media users and industry workers jumped to the 57-year-old actor’s defence, with some tweeting their own personal stories about juggling multiple jobs during their careers with the hashtag #ActorsWithDayJobs.

Arwen Humphreys, who plays recurring character Margaret Brackenreid in the Canadian drama series “Murdoch Mysteries,” says she’s worked on-and-off as a server in Toronto throughout the entire run of the show, which was renewed for a twelfth season in March.

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She occasionally gets recognized in her serving job by the show’s fans, and says needing to take a second job when acting work isn’t available is “nothing to be ashamed of.”

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“Mr. D” star Gerry Dee says that even for those who are able to transition to working in showbiz full time, service jobs are often a stop along the way.

WATCH: Comedian and TV star, Gerry Dee goes on a cross-country tour

Click to play video: 'Comedian and TV star, Gerry Dee goes on a cross-country tour'
Comedian and TV star, Gerry Dee goes on a cross-country tour

He says he worked as a waiter for years while his acting career was taking off, and it’s “very common” for actors to take on second jobs because of the fickle nature of the industry.

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He says he’s grateful to be able to make money performing stand-up comedy while he’s not acting, but he notes that not every actor has that opportunity.

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