The actor best known for his role as Keith Anderson on the ’70s sitcom “Good Times” died on April 6 in New Bedford, Mass., according to a local funeral home. He was 64.
Powers, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, but was raised by his grandparents in Providence, Rhode Island, began his career as a stage comedian, performing stand-up routines around Rhode Island. He would later get his big break into show business by a Hollywood talent agent who caught one of his performances and immediately signed him as a cast member on the sketch comedy series, Laugh-In during its 1977 renewal. He performed opposite the late Robin Williams.
Powers made many appearances on hit TV shows during the 70s and early 80s, including CBS’s Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, The New Odd Couple, Laverne & Shirley and The Greatest American Hero.
In addition to his extensive television resume, Powers also appeared in several films, including Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie and The Man Who Loved Women.
His paramount moment came when he joined the cast of the CBS sitcom “Good Times” during its sixth and final season in 1978.
Actress BerNadette Stanis, who portrayed Thelma, Power’s wife on the sitcom, said in a statement on her Facebook page:
“I am sad to hear about my TV husband Keith (Ben Powers) I will miss you. You were not only an amazing talented man but you were a Kind. Gentle, and Sweet person as well…. Who treated me like a queen on Good Times. Thank you for that. I will never forget you. RIP my friend. RIP.”
The cause of Powers death has not been made public. He will be remembered in a memorial in his New England hometown on May 3rd.
