When news broke that Alton "Ben" Powers had passed away, it felt like a quiet end to a career that was anything but. You probably remember him best as Keith Anderson—the charming, smooth-talking professional football player who finally won Thelma Evans' heart on Good Times. He was the guy who brought a sense of stability and romance to the final seasons of one of the most iconic Black sitcoms in history. But when he died on April 6, 2015, the details were initially sparse.
Fans were left wondering. Was it sudden? Had he been sick? For a while, the headlines just said he was gone at 64.
Honestly, it took a little time for the full picture to emerge. We eventually learned that the Ben Powers cause of death was liver cancer. He passed away in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a far cry from the bright lights of the Hollywood sets where he’d made his name in the '70s and '80s.
The Reality of Ben Powers Cause of Death
Liver cancer is a brutal diagnosis. It’s often "silent," meaning symptoms don't really show up until the disease has progressed significantly. By the time Ben Powers passed away at the age of 64, he had been dealing with the illness behind closed doors. His family, specifically his mother and sisters, kept things private during his final days.
This privacy is why you might have seen conflicting reports or vague obituaries right after it happened. At first, the Auclair Funeral Home, which handled his arrangements, didn't release a specific cause. It wasn't until later that the family confirmed the battle with cancer.
Why 64 Felt So Soon
It’s young. Especially for a guy who seemed so full of life on screen. When you look at his career, he wasn't just an actor; he was a painter, a singer, and a sketch comedian. He got his start at the Rhode Island School of Design and worked his way through the Trinity Repertory Theater.
Basically, he was a Renaissance man.
Most people don't realize he was actually "discovered" in Providence before signing with a Hollywood agent. From there, he hit the Playboy Club circuit in New York and Los Angeles. If you go back and watch old clips of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, you’ll see him doing impressions alongside a young Robin Williams. That kind of talent doesn't just disappear, but the illness unfortunately cut that trajectory short.
Beyond the Sitcom: A Legacy Interrupted
While the world focused on the Ben Powers cause of death, his friends and family were remembering the man who used to ask his mother for fried chicken whenever he visited and who sang in the choir at the First Tabernacle Pentecostal Church.
His filmography was actually pretty varied for the time:
- Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie (1980)
- Things Are Tough All Over (1982)
- The Man Who Loved Women (1983)
- A recurring role as "Moochie" in Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer
He was a staple of '80s television. You’d see him guest star on Laverne & Shirley, The Greatest American Hero, and Gimme a Break!. But for the public, he was always Keith. The guy who married Thelma in that massive TV wedding.
Misconceptions and Rumors
Whenever a celebrity dies and the cause isn't immediately plastered all over the news, rumors start. You might have heard people speculating about lifestyle choices or sudden accidents. None of that was true.
The reality was much more grounded and, frankly, more tragic. Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, and it often strikes people in their 60s. Ben Powers didn't fade away because he lost interest in the industry; he withdrew because he was fighting for his life in Massachusetts.
Understanding Liver Cancer Risks and Awareness
Since the Ben Powers cause of death was linked to such a specific illness, it’s worth looking at what that actually means for others. Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma) is frequently linked to things like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or even fatty liver disease, though we don't know the specific origins of Ben's case.
What we do know is that early detection is the only real game-changer.
- Routine Screenings: If you have a family history or known risk factors, regular ultrasounds are vital.
- Vague Symptoms: Fatigue, weight loss, and upper abdominal pain are often ignored but can be early warning signs.
- Lifestyle Factors: Modern medicine in 2026 emphasizes that managing metabolic health is a huge part of liver protection.
Reflecting on a "Good" Life
Ben Powers left behind a mother, two sisters, and a whole host of nieces and nephews. He was cremated, and a memorial service was held in Providence, Rhode Island—returning to the place where his artistic journey began.
It’s easy to get caught up in the "how" of a person's death, but the "how" of their life usually matters more. Ben was a guy who broke barriers for Black actors in the '70s by playing a character that was professional, athletic, and deeply romantic. He wasn't a caricature.
If you’re looking to honor his memory or learn more about the era he defined, watching the final season of Good Times is a start, but don't sleep on his stand-up work or his impressions. He was a powerhouse of talent who happened to get sick too early.
To stay proactive about the health issues that impacted Ben, consider scheduling a comprehensive liver function test (LFT) during your next physical, especially if you’re over 50. It’s a simple blood test that can flag issues long before they become life-threatening. You can also look into the American Liver Foundation for resources on how to support research for the disease that took this legendary actor from us.