Ben Powers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Powers
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Powers in 1977
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| Born |
Alton Adelbert Powers
July 5, 1950 |
| Died | April 6, 2015 (aged 64) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Rhode Island School of Design |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1974–1987 |
| Known for | Keith Anderson – Good Times |
Ben Powers (born Alton Adelbert Powers on July 5, 1950) was an American actor. He was best known for playing Keith Anderson on the TV show Good Times. Keith was the husband of Thelma Evans on the show. Ben Powers also appeared on the comedy show Laugh-In from 1977 to 1978. He passed away on April 6, 2015, when he was 64 years old.
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Ben Powers' Early Life and Career
Ben Powers was born in New York City, specifically in Brooklyn. He grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. He went to the Rhode Island School of Design.
Powers started his acting career in the 1970s. He worked with director Adrian Hall at the Trinity Repertory Theater in Providence. Besides acting on stage, Powers also performed stand-up comedy. He was good at doing impressions and sang different kinds of music, including songs he wrote himself.
How Ben Powers Became Famous
A Hollywood agent discovered Ben Powers in Providence. This led to him getting roles in movies. He also performed in clubs in big cities like Las Vegas, New York, and Boston.
His most famous role was Keith Anderson on the TV show Good Times. He joined the show for its sixth and final season.
Ben Powers' Other TV Shows and Movies
After Good Times, Ben Powers appeared in many other popular TV shows in the 1980s. These included Gimme a Break!, Flamingo Road, The Greatest American Hero, The New Odd Couple, and Laverne & Shirley.
He was also a regular actor on the detective show Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer from 1984 to 1985. Powers decided to leave Hollywood at the end of 1985.
In the early 1980s, Powers acted in a few movies for the big screen. These films included Cheech and Chong's Next Movie, Things Are Tough All Over, and The Man Who Loved Women. He also appeared in several TV movies, usually in smaller roles.
Ben Powers' Passing
Ben Powers died on April 6, 2015. He was 64 years old.
Ben Powers' Filmography
Here is a list of some of the TV shows and movies Ben Powers appeared in:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Great Performances | John | Episode: "Brother to Dragons" |
| 1977–78 | Laugh-In | Himself (performer) | 6 episodes |
| 1978–79 | Good Times | Keith Anderson | 24 episodes |
| 1980 | Cheech and Chong's Next Movie | Welfare Black | |
| 1982 | Gimme a Break! | Tony | Episode: "Nell's Ex" |
| 1982 | Flamingo Road | TV reporter | Episode: "An Eye for an Eye" |
| 1982 | Flamingo Road | Episode: "The Harder They Fall" | |
| 1982 | Things Are Tough All Over | ||
| 1982 | Drop-Out Father | Ben Brown | TV movie |
| 1982 | The New Odd Couple | Sidepocket Sidney | |
| 1982 | The Greatest American Hero | Ivan | Episode: "The Price Is Right" |
| 1982 | Laverne & Shirley | Aaron | Episode: "Death Row: Part 1" |
| 1983 | Laverne & Shirley | Rick West | Episode: "Here Today, Hair Tomorrow" |
| 1983 | The Man Who Loved Women | Al | |
| 1984 | Shattered Vows | Tod | TV movie |
| 1984 | Uncensored | Skit characters | Direct-to-video |
| 1984–85 | Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer | Moochie | 13 episodes |
