Photo: Anthony Harvey/Getty; Michael Loccisano/Getty
Geoffrey Owensis “extremely grateful” toNicki Minajfor gifting him with $25,000 after she learned that he worked at Trader Joe’s. But instead of keeping the sizable donation, the actor is sending the funds to other actors who are in need.
“I am extremely grateful toNicki Minajfor enabling struggling actors to continue pursuing their dreams,” he concluded.
And Minaj, 35, appears to be in full support of his decision.
“I’m happy to be a part of a great cause,” she told the website. “I wish Geoffrey much success and want him to know how loved he is. Rest in Peace to Earle Hyman.”
“It will help us continue to provide supportive services including The Actors Fund Home, a skilled nursing, assisted living and short-stay rehabilitation facility for professionals who, like the great actor Earle Hyman, have dedicated their lives to the arts — and where we will be dedicating a room in Earle’s honor thanks to this gift. It will also help support our ongoing social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, affordable housing, and secondary employment and training services,” Stokes Mitchell’s statement continues. “The staff of The Actors Fund take great pride in fostering stability and resiliency in the lives of everyone in performing arts and entertainment, and providing a safety net for them in times of need. We thank you, Geoffrey and Nicki.”
Earlier this month,Minaj offered her supportto Owens after learning he wasworking at thegrocery store between acting gigs — saying she wants to give him $25,000.
“This man is a whole f—ing legend,” the rapper said during anepisodeofQueen Radioon Beats 1. “That man is now getting so many opportunities, I personally want to donate $25,000.”
Minaj also called outKarma Lawrence, the woman who took Owens’ photo at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey where he was bagging groceries.
WATCH: Geoffrey Owens on Being Shamed for Working at Trader Joe’s: ‘No One Should Feel Sorry for Me’
Speaking with PEOPLE, Owenssaidthat his first thought following the news of his Trader Joe’s job going public was how his son would feel about it.
Detailing his fear that his 19-year-old child would be humiliated, the father of one recalled, “I texted my son and warned him about the story breaking. I actually apologized to him for embarrassing him, because I knew that he’s in school away from us. I knew his classmates would see it and he’d be humiliated and embarrassed. I apologized to him.”
Owens, who worked at the grocery store for 15 months, added, “Even before the wave of support rolled in within an hour or two, he sent me a beautiful text back about how proud he was of me. I cried, I just broke down. He felt the opposite of embarrassment. He was so proud that I had taken the job. It was beautiful.”
He said the attention he’s been receiving ever since has been overwhelming.
Larry Busacca/Getty Images
“It really hurt. I felt really humiliated,” Owens said. “I tried to envision the worse case scenario just to prepare myself and then it was just a little bit worse. If that was possible.”
But the experience turned into a learning moment for the actor.
“It’s because I kind of hung in there and persevered that all of this amazing stuff has now happened. I am someone who generally does persevere, but this confirmed to me how important it is to just hang in there,” Owens said. “I think that’s so important for so many people in my industry. You just have to hang on!”
source: people.com
