Ben-Powers-Obituary

Ben Powers

1950 - 2015 (Age 64)

About

AGE
64

Obituary

NEW BEDFORD, Massachusetts (AP) — Actor Alton "Ben" Powers, known for his role in the 1970s CBS television series "Good Times," has died at age 64.

Powers died April 6 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, according to the Auclair Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements. Details were not released.

Powers played football player Keith Anderson, the husband of Thelma Evans, played by Bern Nadette Stanis, in "Good Times." The show was a Norman Lear hit about a black family in inner-city Chicago.

Powers also appeared as Moochie in the 1980s CBS series "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" with Stacey Keach, and had guest roles on other TV shows including "Gimmie a Break," ''Flamingo Road," ''The Greatest American Hero," ''The New Odd Couple," and "Laverne & Shirley."

Powers also acted in several 1980s movies including "Cheech & Chong's Next Movie," ''Things Are Tough All Over" and "The Man Who Loved Women."

His first TV roles were on NBC's "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in."

The Brooklyn, New York, native, was brought up by his grandparents in Providence, Rhode Island. He sang in the choir and was cantor at the First Tabernacle Pentecostal church, according to his family. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design, and began his acting career at the Trinity Repertory Theater in Providence, his family said.

Powers is survived by his mother, two sisters, two uncles, two aunts, four nephews and three nieces.




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Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Rest in peace my friend. You had an exciting life with lots of ups and as life usually has it some downs. But all in all I would say it was a success story. I got to meet Ben at community outreach which he shared his personal experiences with us. He was a local guy who made the most of what he could and never forgot where he came from. Thanks for humility. Jim Carty- actor/singer

Rest "Keith" in Peace

I enjoyed him on Good times, I'm sure if he'd had more time he would have gone on to continue to entertain us more.

I know you are our heavenly father, and I'm happy to have watched you on your best episodes on Good times, very good actor I might say, rest in peace, I still till today watch Good times,, I pray to you and your family ,

Ben Powers was a fornominal actor and athlete loved by all. You will be missed my friend. Forever RIP.

Love you brother

Thank you for being such a great star !

I grew up watching Good times every Saturday morning and still today I’m watching all the reruns. My prayers are always with the Powers family. RIP Ben

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.