At 71, Bern Nadette Stanis, beloved for her role as Thelma Evans on the iconic television series *Good Times*, has opened up about the life and career of her co-star Ben Powers, who portrayed Thelma’s husband Keith Anderson during the show’s final season.

While many fans remember Powers for his role as the charming football player who swept Thelma off her feet, Stanis reveals a more complex and poignant story behind the man who brought that character to life—a story filled with resilience, professionalism, and quiet dignity amid Hollywood’s challenges.

Ben Powers, born Alton Adalbert Powers on July 5, 1950, hailed from Brooklyn, New York.

Unlike many actors who come from privileged backgrounds, Powers grew up in the vibrant and often challenging environment of Brooklyn during the 1950s and 60s.

This upbringing gave him a streetwise authenticity that translated powerfully to his acting.

 

Before making his mark on television, Powers honed his craft in theater, working with director Adrienne Hall at the Trinity Repertory Theater in Providence, Rhode Island.

His talents extended beyond acting; he was also a stand-up comedian, impressionist, and singer, performing both standards and original music.

His diverse skills and dedication caught the attention of a Hollywood agent, leading him to the bright lights of the entertainment industry.

 

In 1978, *Good Times* was entering its final season amid considerable turmoil.

The beloved show had already weathered significant drama behind the scenes, including the departure of key cast members and creative disagreements.

Producers were searching for a way to bring stability and fresh energy to the series.

Enter Ben Powers, cast as Keith Anderson, a professional football player and Thelma Evans’s new love interest.

The character was designed to bring a responsible, working husband figure to the Evans family—a contrast to the struggles of James Evans, Thelma’s father, who was often unemployed on the show.

This casting decision came with high expectations and intense scrutiny, as the show faced criticism for its portrayal of black families and the challenges of representing strong black male characters on television.

 

Despite the pressure, Powers embraced the role with professionalism and charisma.

However, the writers’ choices for Keith’s storyline were, as Stanis describes, “wild” and sometimes baffling.

In a twist that left many viewers puzzled, Keith injured his leg walking out of the church just after marrying Thelma—a storyline that forced Powers to portray a character sidelined by an inexplicable injury for the rest of the season.

This unexpected plot development was a test of Powers’s acting skill and patience, yet he delivered a convincing performance that helped maintain the show’s momentum.

Following *Good Times*, Powers continued to build a steady career with guest appearances on popular TV shows such as *Give Me a Break*, *The Greatest American Hero*, and *The New Odd Couple*.

His ability to adapt to various roles—from cops to smooth-talking characters—made him a reliable and sought-after actor in Hollywood.

 

One of Powers’s most promising roles came in 1984 when he was cast as Mucci in *Mike Hammer*, a CBS detective drama.

The show offered a juicy, complex character that could have been a major breakthrough for Powers.

Unfortunately, the series was derailed when the lead actor was arrested for drug smuggling, leading to the show’s cancellation.

Despite this setback, Powers handled the disappointment with grace, choosing to move forward rather than dwell on the misfortune.

 

Powers also appeared in several cult classic films, including *Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie*, *Things Are Tough All Over*, and *The Man Who Loved Women*.

Though these films were not critically acclaimed, they showcased his versatility and willingness to take on diverse projects to sustain his career.

 

Bern Nadette Stanis highlights the difficulties Powers faced as a black actor in Hollywood during the 1980s and 90s.

Despite his talent and professionalism, Powers was often confined to supporting roles, rarely given the leading parts or lucrative contracts he deserved.

Typecasting and systemic barriers limited his opportunities, but Powers never let these challenges diminish his spirit.

 

Instead of becoming bitter, Powers became known as the consummate professional—someone directors could count on to show up prepared and deliver consistently.

His reputation as a “nice guy” who got the job done set him apart in an industry often marked by ego and drama.

 

While Powers’s professional life was marked by perseverance, his personal life provided a source of stability and peace.

He was married to Julia Harper, and together they raised four children.

Unlike many Hollywood marriages, theirs remained private and free from tabloid sensationalism.

This privacy extended to Powers’s battle with health issues later in life.

By the 2000s, he was struggling with liver problems that eventually developed into liver cancer.

Throughout his illness, Powers maintained his dignity and chose not to make his struggles a public spectacle.

 

Ben Powers passed away on April 6, 2015, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, at the age of 64.

His death was mourned by his *Good Times* family and fans alike.

Bern Nadette Stanis and other co-stars remembered him as a talented actor, a genuine friend, and a man who brought joy and stability to the show’s final season.

 

Stanis emphasizes that Powers’s impact extended beyond his roles on screen.

He represented the kind of strong, responsible black male character that television needed during a time when such representations were rare.

His professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression on colleagues and audiences.

Although Powers never received the widespread recognition he deserved during his lifetime, his legacy endures.

He proved that success in Hollywood could be achieved without compromising one’s values or integrity.

His career serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and quiet strength in the face of industry challenges.

 

The story of Ben Powers, as shared by Bern Nadette Stanis, is a powerful reminder of the complexities behind the scenes in Hollywood.

Beyond the characters and storylines, Powers was a man who navigated a difficult industry with grace, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.

 

His journey from Brooklyn to television screens across America reflects both the promise and pitfalls faced by many actors of his generation, especially black actors striving for meaningful representation.

Powers’s life and career embody the spirit of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself.

 

As fans continue to celebrate *Good Times* and its cultural impact, the memory of Ben Powers stands as a tribute to a talented actor whose contributions helped shape television history.

His story, now told with honesty and respect, ensures that his legacy will not be forgotten.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.