Good Times actor Ben Powers died earlier in April at the age of 64. Alton “Ben” Powers passed away on April 6th in New Bedford, Massachusetts, according to his obituary.
Ben Powers played the role of Keith Anderson, a pro football player, who married Thelma Evans (played by Bern Nadette Stanis) early in the sixth and final season of Good Times, from 1978 to 1979. Good Times was the story of Florida and James Evans and their family. The show was a spinoff of Maude, which was a spinoff of All in the Family. In addition to Ben Powers and Bern Nadette Stanis, it starred Jimmie Walker, John Amos, Esther Rolle, and Ralph Carter. Janet Jackson even starred in Good Times during the show’s 5th and 6th seasons.
Even though Ben Powers was born in New York City, he was raised by his grandparents in Providence, Rhode Island. He did stand-up comedy in Providence and later landing a gig as part of the Laugh-In cast alongside Robin Williams.
Sad news: "Good Times" star Ben Powers has died at 64 http://t.co/dfSqgQBlP2 pic.twitter.com/zN6WhpJ29m
— People magazine (@people) April 19, 2015
Powers also starred as Moochie on CBS’s Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer and made many guest appearances on hit shows like The New Odd Couple, Laverne & Shirley, and The Greatest American Hero.
Good Times Actor Ben Powers Dies At 64 – Powers passed away in early April, family announces. http://t.co/is66Mye4Pt
— BET News (@BETNews) April 19, 2015
No cause of death was listed in Ben Powers’ obituary. The Good Times actor is survived by his mother and two sisters.
Ben Powers’ Good Times cast members are no doubt mourning the actor’s passing.