Ben Powers, an actor best known for his role as Keith Anderson on the 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” passed away on April 6, 2015.
Alton “Ben” Powers was born on July 5, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his acting career in the late 1970s, but he gained widespread recognition when he joined the cast of “Good Times” in its final season, playing the role of a professional football player who marries Thelma Evans, one of the main characters.
After “Good Times” ended, Powers appeared in a few other television shows and movies, including “The New Mike Hammer” and “Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie.” Despite a promising start, his career did not reach the same heights as some of his contemporaries, and he took on fewer roles as time went on.
Outside of acting, Powers was also known for his work with the nonprofit organization, the Actors’ Fund of America, which supports entertainment professionals in need. His contributions to the world of entertainment and his efforts to help others in the industry are remembered by those who knew him and by fans of his work.
Powers’ death at the age of 64 was met with tributes from fans and colleagues who remembered him for his talent and the joy he brought to his role on “Good Times.” The cause of his death was not widely publicized, but his passing marked the loss of another beloved figure from a classic era of television.
