Alton "Ben" Powers (July 5, 1950 – April 6, 2015) was an American actor and comedian. He is most widely remembered for his television work in the 1970s, particularly as Keith Anderson, the husband of Thelma Evans, on the sixth and final season of the sitcom Good Times (1978–1979). Earlier in the decade he was a cast member of the sketch-comedy series Laugh-In, where he performed in a variety of comedic sketches and musical numbers.

Career overview

Powers began attracting attention during the 1970s, a period when television comedy and variety shows offered prominent ensemble opportunities. On Laugh-In he worked alongside a rotating cast of comedians, contributing both comic timing and supporting characters. His television persona combined warmth and comic energy, traits that led to more sustained acting work, including the recurring role on Good Times.

Good Times and notable roles

Joining Good Times in its final season, Powers portrayed Keith Anderson, who becomes the husband of Thelma Evans. That casting placed him within one of the era's best known depictions of an African American family on network television. Though his tenure on the series was brief compared with other cast members, the role remains the performance for which he is most commonly cited.

Beyond those two high-profile series, Powers took on various supporting television and stage roles. Like many working actors of his generation, he balanced sitcom and sketch work with guest appearances and other projects, demonstrating versatility in both dramatic and comedic material.

Legacy and recognition

Powers' career is often noted in discussions of 1970s American television, a time when sitcoms such as Good Times played a significant cultural role in portraying Black life and family dynamics to broad audiences. Colleagues and fans remember him for his affable screen presence and his contributions to ensemble comedy. He died on April 6, 2015.

Selected credits

  • Laugh-In — cast member (1970s)
  • Good Times — Keith Anderson (1978–1979)

For more information about his career and credits, see biographical listings and archives linked through resources such as Ben Powers profiles and historical television databases.