Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1950
DIED
2015
Ben Powers Obituary
Powers died April 6 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, according to the Auclair Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements. Details were not released.
Powers played football player Keith Anderson, the husband of Thelma Evans, played by Bern Nadette Stanis, in "Good Times." The show was a Norman Lear hit about a black family in inner-city Chicago.
Powers also appeared as Moochie in the 1980s CBS series "Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer" with Stacey Keach, and had guest roles on other TV shows including "Gimmie a Break," ''Flamingo Road," ''The Greatest American Hero," ''The New Odd Couple," and "Laverne & Shirley."
Powers also acted in several 1980s movies including "Cheech & Chong's Next Movie," ''Things Are Tough All Over" and "The Man Who Loved Women."
His first TV roles were on NBC's "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-in."
The Brooklyn, New York, native, was brought up by his grandparents in Providence, Rhode Island. He sang in the choir and was cantor at the First Tabernacle Pentecostal church, according to his family. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design, and began his acting career at the Trinity Repertory Theater in Providence, his family said.
Powers is survived by his mother, two sisters, two uncles, two aunts, four nephews and three nieces.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Ben Powers
250 Entries
D.N.H.
June 26, 2025
Rest in Power my brother. I grew up watching Good Times and so were my now grown children.
As a matter of fact I´m watching Good Times at this very moment! There´s truly something special watching these old movies that´s quite remarkable! Thank you Mr Powers aka Keith for laughs!
Angie Cooper
May 16, 2025
Great actor. Loved him on Good Times. RIP
Demetria Fulton
April 11, 2025
This would be 10 years that Ben has been gone. His laugh infectious and his jokes would be painful to the stomach. May he be remembered for his infectious smile and wanting to help others. Keep smiling for you are not forgotten!! ❤
Tee Cee
April 5, 2025
Mt Blessings to the family!! Keith Powers was my favorite actor and especially on Good times, as growing up!! My respect and condolences to the Family !! May his Legacy live on !!
March 31, 2025
Good actor RIP
Tijuana Jones
March 31, 2025
I was saddened to hear of mr.powers passing. I feel that he is in heaven at eternal peace. More importantly, I admired his performance on Good times as Keith Anderson the football player. He will be greatly missed.
Greg
March 29, 2025
May the Good Lord bless you and all that is yours
Leslie Goodwin
March 27, 2025
So long Alton, ( Ben Powers ). Best TV wedding ever, with that song " You and I" by Obrien. They just don't make music, or TV sitcoms like they did in the "70 's " A golden era ,with so many fond memories. Thanks, Mr. Powers for making us believe in "true Love" even if it was just make-believe !!! Men just don't seem to cherish their "Queens" like they used to. Rest in eternal peace "Keith".
Derrell
March 26, 2025
My condolences to the powers family been powers was one of the funniest guys on TV he was really a great actor as well he'll be missed rip Ben.
Ike Garza
February 23, 2025
As I've been binge watching "Good Times" for the past few weeks, I just watched the episode "The Traveling Christmas." You were absolutely amazing with your Robert Goulet, Jerry Lewis, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Bill Cosby and the "Punch-Drunk Fighter" renditions!! You had a great voice, excellent acting proficiencies, and a very handsome guy. Thanks a million for making us laugh and for living your life the way we all should...
Wanda jones
February 1, 2025
Ben was wonderful actor. I loved looking at the Good Times
Darron Orange
January 20, 2025
Rest in peace, love always.
Nicole Washington
January 7, 2025
I didn´t know Ben Powers died I knew him he was such a talented wonderful person.I used to sing with him.He was good friends with my family.He used to come over my mothers house and ask for fried chicken.My mother would make him fried chicken whenever he asked.Lol he was a lot of fun and I shall miss him.Rest well Ben Powers .
Tiwona Gayden
November 20, 2024
I Love Watching Good Times, Specially When Thelma And Keith Got Married. It Was A Lovely Wedding !!!. Thelma Was The Most Beautiful Bride I've Seen On TV, period. Keith Was Handsome Too. I Hoped It Lasted Forevea!!!. Ress In Heavenly Peace Keith!!!. Gone Too Soon!!!. Love Always, From Lake Charles Louisiana!!!.
Elizabeth Dean
November 3, 2024
My condolences to the family
Barbara D Williams Pearl E Williams Garyville Louisiana
October 20, 2024
With deepest condolences sympathy. Rest in Peace . From Pearl Williams and Barbara Williams of Garyville Louisiana.
Delethia Moses
July 26, 2024
Such a good actor and was a great comedy person. I just found this out Bout him it broke my heart . I truly rember him my deepest condolences to the family. I'm and hurt may you all lye in th Ed comfort of the lord.
Deborah Tuggle
July 6, 2024
Rest in peace,gone but never forgotten
Willie Casson
April 27, 2024
I miss you BEN Rip
Alexandria Harvey
March 31, 2024
My condolences, may you rest in heaven, I admired your talent on television very much, thank you for the memories.
Jim Carty-
March 19, 2024
Rest in peace my friend.
You had an exciting life with lots of ups and as life usually has it some downs. But all in all I would say it was a success story.
I got to meet Ben at community outreach which he shared his personal experiences with us. He was a local guy who made the most of what he could and never forgot where he came from.
Thanks for humility.
Jim Carty- actor/singer
Miriam Trezevant
March 13, 2024
Rest "Keith" in Peace
Lisa Green
November 19, 2023
I enjoyed him on Good times, I'm sure if he'd had more time he would have gone on to continue to entertain us more.
Juanita Rodriguez
October 14, 2023
I know you are our heavenly father, and I'm happy to have watched you on your best episodes on Good times, very good actor I might say, rest in peace, I still till today watch Good times,, I pray to you and your family ,
Bennett Farrar
October 10, 2023
Ben Powers was a fornominal actor and athlete loved by all. You will be missed my friend. Forever RIP.
Jerry A Talton
September 10, 2023
Love you brother
Jerry A Talton
September 10, 2023
Thank you for being such a great star !
Abbe Montgomery
September 2, 2023
I grew up watching Good times every Saturday morning and still today I’m watching all the reruns. My prayers are always with the Powers family. RIP Ben
V McCall
October 3, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Paula Maccarone
March 22, 2022
I have just learned of the passing of your father and loved one. I have a photo of your father with myself and my sister from roughly 1974. My mother ran Trinity Repertoire Theatre and worked with your father and Adrian Hall. I would be happy to share the picture - it is one of this theatre rats favorite memories.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Ben was an absolute favorite of mine and has always remained in my heart.
A. Andrade
February 21, 2022
Grew up watching Good Times!
Ben Powers was a talented actor with local ties. May you Rest In Peace.
Good Bless
Melissa
December 30, 2021
May you Rest In Peace. Condolences to your family & friends. You were an awesome person & friend.
September 25, 2021
R.I.P. Mr Powers, I am originally from New Bedford, which I was surprised to hear about his death. Prayers & Condolences to your family.
September 1, 2021
You were a wonderful and handsome actor who is gone too soon.
Terry
July 7, 2021
Enjoyed his acting on Goodtimes!! Was gone to soon!!
DASMON DORTY
May 15, 2021
Your legacy will live on forever great underrated actor.....
Elizabeth Garcia
May 14, 2021
I gave my condolence to Ben power family in his daughter And dad was a greatest Actor when you came out on good times and am still watching the reruns God Bless His Soul Amen ❤ I I grew up watching good times when I was a young girl growing up
April 26, 2021
Be Blessed Family..Cherish the great memories you had with Mr. Powers....D.C.
Granee Remus
March 30, 2021
A talent beyond words. Left this earth way to soon. I still watch Good Times and favorites are with you in them. I’m just a fan, but that isn’t an option to pick, so I chose friend. Gods’ blessings to family.
DiAnne Montgomery
February 12, 2021
God bless the family
Dennis Ray Johnson
November 30, 2020
He changed my life ...When I first saw Ben on TV /Good Times,I knew that entertainment was my calling.I was 12 years of age back in 1978.His acting pulled me thru from just loosing my grandmother.Iam a grandparents baby.When I lost my Big momma,I just knew I would die from a broken heart.The Midnight Special featuring Wolf Man Jack along with Good times pulled my back together.I wanted to taste the City.I moved in with my mom up from a small town down in east,Texas to Dallas,Texas. Wrong thing to do.By 19800I was back home after getting into trouble up in the big city.1982 I tried it again,still here in Dallas, Texas.I send my condolences to Ben's family...I am 54 years of ageBen I know you hear me up there in Heaven...I would like to say "Thank you!"This Dennis
J Crump
November 5, 2020
I am going to miss you. I love watching Good Times & all rest of your shows. R.I.P.
Jeffrey D Spencer
August 13, 2020
Very good actor, sir. RIP
Terrince Warren
July 27, 2020
R.I.P MY friend I love you on good time
May 17, 2020
Bless you
Denise Conner
April 29, 2020
Gone, but not forgotten.
Jackie Pollard
March 31, 2020
Mr. Ben,
I guess I will be seeing you on Good Times. May you Rest In Heaven.
Ben Mills
March 7, 2020
Ben was an awesome individual. He was not noticed like he should have been. R.I.H.
Daisy Thomas
February 20, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
faitht tobin
February 11, 2020
Rory and I thought that Ben was a funny actor on Good Times indeedie.
Victor Smith
January 21, 2020
I send my deepest condolences. Rip
Keith Jackson
January 8, 2020
R.i.p.
January 3, 2020
Rest in peace Mr Powers. You were funny as heck on GT !
Priscilla Daniels
December 20, 2019
I didt know you were gone! Rest in peace Mr. Powers.
Richard James
November 7, 2019
It was a pleasure knowing you Ben and hearing you Share you wonderful stories of your acting career May you Rest in Eternal Peace my friend
Renay Horn
October 17, 2019
Rest in peace you will be miss
D White
October 12, 2019
A beautiful soul. Great actor whose work will last through eternity.
Margaret Kinlaw
October 5, 2019
I loved you on Good Times. Thank you for the laughs.
September 24, 2019
sleep peacefully Ben, you were a great actor and had the best Tv.wedding ever My condolences to your family
September 18, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort...I remember him on Good times.. graspy voice...He will be miss..
Dora Tutson
August 23, 2019
Ben thank for all the laught alway be remembered for the good times you gave your fans a good laught god bless you from houston texas tutson family
William Reynolds
August 21, 2019
I am so terribly sorry you were a great actor
MELANIE WALTERS
August 7, 2019
Brother Ben... Thanks for all the laughs. I pray that God will continue to comfort and bless your family. Rest easy, sir...
SYLVIA EDWARDS
June 21, 2019
R.I.P Ben Powers a.k.a "Keith Anderson" I'm still watching you on Good times. You will always be remembered for the Good times you gave your fans. You are gone too soon. God bless and keep your family.
Karen O'Hara
February 10, 2019
I really loved him on Good times. I miss him rip. Mr. Ben powers to his family you have my sympathy and condolences
Tasha Bradford
February 10, 2019
He was a good man and good father and good husband
Kareemah Welch
February 10, 2019
Watching goodtimes marathon since Thursday now I want to send my condolences I didn't know you where gone you a truly miss by me rest in paradise 2019of January
Kutinna Young
February 10, 2019
I was watching good times an said I wonder what hes doing on to my surprise thou hav3 gone to be with our heavenly father so I know your living your best life god be with you an your family great actor
Beverly Coleman
January 31, 2019
I hope you're resting with the Lord Ben. Can't believe I just found out you transitioned in 2015. I was looking at the Good Times reruns and decided to look you up! What a shocker. May God bless your family and your children.
Coni Thomson
January 25, 2019
Ben was so cute and funny as Keith on good times. Sorry to learn he had passed away. I watch the old reruns every night. Love seeing Ben. What a great show and awesome actors.
Chery Darby
January 19, 2019
May God continue to bless his children and family
Kimberly Smith
January 2, 2019
Mr. Powerscyou were truly a great asset to the sitcom Good Times.
Roshana adomaah
December 25, 2018
God bless your family. Rest in peace
Trina Redmond
September 21, 2018
What a wonderful actor he was Good Times brought him in at an awesome time for the show. May God Bless his family. Thank you all for sharing him with us. He was a great example of a black man on T. V. at that time even tho I was just a baby. But in the early 80's I enjoyed him them. I pray our dear Lord and Savior has given his family peace. AMEN!!!
Calvin Kennon Sr
August 2, 2018
To the Powers family thank you for sharing Ben with the entire world. A great role model , a great person, one of my favorite actors of all time. God bless.♥
Tijuana Jones
May 29, 2018
To The Powers Family; I want to offer my deepest condolences on the passing on such a fine actor.
I liked his role on good times as Keith Anderson
He will be truly missed from our society. More importantly, he went home to be with our lord
saviour Jesus Christ.
Sincerely,
Mrs.Tijuana Jones
Dexter Lawrence
May 25, 2018
I will truly miss him I watch a good time tonight and thinking about himhe was a really good actor God bless you you and your family
Cheria
May 20, 2018
May you Rest in Heaven..... my prayers go to your family and friends who of course will miss you most...thank you for your contribution here on earth....you will always be remembered.
Jeanette Campbell
May 19, 2018
Rest in Peace
Veronica Woodson
May 13, 2018
Ben,
I don't know what took you away from us but I do know that you were loved tremendously. My friend, thank you for your contributions to this lifetime of ours. You did well. Rest peacefully in God's loving arms. Hope to see you again.
Prentis Simpson
May 9, 2018
Rip Ben
Earlene Jones
April 8, 2018
Ben, Rest Entirely In Peace!
In HIS Love,
Rev. Earlene, Rev. Roydrick & Evangelist Anjie (Xzavier & Hannah), Sophia Dionne, Damien Sr., & Damien Jones, Jr.
Earlene Jones
April 8, 2018
Ben, It is truly sad that you are gone, and I'm just discovering your journey's end today, April 8th, 2018, and I've been watching the Good Times reruns not realizing you had transitioned from time to eternity. It is my earnest hope that your family is yet finding comfort in the Lord at every remembrance of you. It is an honor that your living was not in vain, and you did not leave this world anonymously because so many people knew you, and they yet remember your name! Rest in eternal peace; and Until That Great Getting Up Morning, FARE YE WELL, FARE YE WELL!!!! AMEN!!!!
In HIS Marvelous, Matchless, Amazing, And Everlasting Love,
Rev. Evangelist Earlene Jones
Founder/CEO
The End-Time World Harvesters Outreach Ministries, Inc.
April 8th, 2018
1:53 a.m.
Terry
March 9, 2018
To all of Ben's Family &Friends
I am very sorry to discover your loss
I'm glad to read that Ben took time for God singing in the choir at church.
May he rest in the arms of Jesus
PATRICIA WINSTON
January 22, 2018
Patricia Winston
January 22, 2018
Patricia Winston. Rest in peace my friend
Lia Scott
January 3, 2018
You will truly be missed my brother
Janut Honit
December 16, 2017
Enjoyed your work. Rest in Paradise Mr. Powers.
maryanne Disilvestro
October 8, 2017
Mr powers I enjoyed our long talks and I loved bringing you your favorite hermits we became friends while you where at your sort stay in fall river mass nursing home my mom loved talking to you while you where there you made her smile and me you will be missed thank you I will forever have the short note you wrote to me rip
Ann Price
August 12, 2017
Rest on Mr. Powers....
Camella Ford
July 21, 2017
Continued restful peace
Wanda James
July 5, 2017
Truely was a fan of you Sir Powers. I pray your family has found COMFORT and HEALING in Jesus name. Amen
RIP
A L
May 31, 2017
Rest in peace Mr Ben Powers
Vanessa
May 17, 2017
I loved watching Keith/ Ben Powers on Good Times..As a kid.i'm 56years old .Now..My condolences goes out to the family... It's great they play re-runs on TV.. Regarding Good Times..RIP
Vanessa
May 17, 2017
I loved watching Keith/ Ben Powers on Good Times..As a kid.i'm 56years old .Now..My condolences goes out to the family... It's great they play re-runs on TV.. Regarding Good Times..RIP
David Johnson
February 15, 2017
Hey great actor love u on good times.
Showing 1 - 100 of 250 results
Make a Donation
in Ben Powers's name
How to support Ben's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ben Powers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored