Ben Powers Dies: Good Times Actor Was 64

Ben Powers, best known as Keith Anderson on Good Times, has died.  He was 64.

Though Powers was mostly known for portraying the football player husband of Thelma Evans, he starred in other series.  He played Mooches on The New Mike Hammer with Stacey Keach.  And he appeared in various guest roles on shows such as Gimme A Break, Laverne & Shirley, The New Odd Couple, and The Great American Hero.

Outside of TV, he also starred in feature films including Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie, Things are Tough All Over, and The Man Who Loved Women.

Alton A. “Ben” Powers was born in Brooklyn, NY, on Jul 5, 1950.  He was raised in Providence, RI, where he sang in his church choir.  Later, he attended the Rhode Island School of Design.

Ben began his acting career at Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence.  He sang and did impressions in comedy routines until a Hollywood agent discovered him.

He moved on to perform at Playboy Clubs in New York, Los Angeles, and Boston.

Eventually, his Playboy Club gigs lead to his breakthrough role on NBC’s Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.

A May 3 memorial is planned in Providence.

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