Ben Powers, best known for his role as Keith Anderson on the Good Times sitcom that aired on CBS in the middle to late 1970s, has died. Powers was 64 and died April 6 in New Bedford, MA.

His character was the football player husband of Thelma Evans, who was played by BerNadette Stanis on the hit series from producers Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin. Powers also played the character Moochie on another CBS series, The New Mike Hammer that starred Stacey Keach. He also appeared in guest roles in the series Gimme A Break, Laverne & Shirley, The New Odd Couple and The Great American Hero plus appeared in a couple of telefilms. His feature movie resume included Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie, Things Are Tough All Over and The Man Who Loved Women.

Alton A. “Ben” Powers born in Brooklyn, NY on July 5, 1950 and was raised in Providence, RI where he sang in his church choir and later attended the Rhode Island School of Design. He began his acting career at Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence. He sang and did impressions in standup comedy routines until he was discovered by a Hollywood agent and went on to perform at Playboy Clubs in New York, Los Angeles and Boston. Those gigs led to appearances on NBC’s Laugh-In which led in turn to his work in TV series and movies.

A memorial is planned for May 3 in Providence.

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