At 71, Bern Nadette Stanis Confesses The Dark Truth About Ben Powers | HO!!!!

In the golden era of Black television, few shows resonated as deeply as Good Times. The sitcom wasn’t just entertainment—it was a cultural touchstone, a reflection of real-life struggles, triumphs, and family bonds. But behind the laughter and iconic moments, there were stories that never made it to the screen.

And now, at 71, Bern Nadette Stanis—the beloved Thelma Evans—has finally revealed the dark truth about her on-screen husband, Ben Powers, and the Hollywood rollercoaster that shaped both their lives.

A Brooklyn Kid With Big Dreams

Ben Powers, born Alton Adalbert Powers on July 5, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, wasn’t handed anything. He grew up in the thick of city chaos, absorbing street wisdom that would later make his performances so authentic.

There was no silver spoon, no Hollywood connections—just raw talent and the determination to make something out of nothing.

Before his big break, Ben honed his craft on stage under Adrienne Hall at the Trinity Reparatory Theater in Providence, Rhode Island. He wasn’t just an actor—he was a triple threat, doing standup comedy, uncanny impressions, and singing both standards and original music.

His versatility caught the eye of a Hollywood agent, and soon Ben was entertaining at the Playboy Club in Las Vegas and picking up movie roles. But the journey was anything but smooth.

The Last Season Savior of Good Times

By 1978, Good Times was in its final season, and behind the scenes, the drama was thicker than a pot of gumbo. John Amos had been written out, Esther Rolle had stormed off and then returned, and producers were scrambling to bring stability to the Evans family.

Enter Ben Powers, cast as Keith Anderson—the professional football player who would marry Thelma and supposedly bring some “happily ever after” to the show.

But Hollywood rarely plays fair. Instead of giving Keith and Thelma a dream romance, the writers threw a curveball: Keith was injured walking out of the church on their wedding day.

Not on the field, not in a dramatic accident—just walking, like any regular guy. Suddenly, Ben’s character was limping through the rest of the season, forced to play out a storyline that was more soap opera than sitcom.

Bern Nadette Stanis remembers the confusion and frustration. “It was supposed to be a new beginning for Thelma,” she confesses. “But the writers wanted drama, and Ben had to roll with it. He was so professional, so talented—he made it work, even when it didn’t make sense.”

Hollywood’s Double Standard

Ben Powers’ time on Good Times was a masterclass in professionalism. He brought warmth, humor, and a sense of realness to Keith Anderson. But the industry wasn’t ready to give him his flowers. Black male actors in the ’70s and ’80s rarely got leading roles or big contracts. Instead, Ben found himself typecast, shuffled into supporting parts that never let him shine as brightly as he deserved.

After Good Times, Ben became the go-to guy for guest spots—Gimme a Break, Laverne & Shirley, The Greatest American Hero, The New Odd Couple. He was reliable, versatile, and always delivered. But as Bern Nadette Stanis reveals, “Ben was the guy directors could count on. He’d show up, know his lines, and make you laugh or cry in the same scene. But Hollywood kept him in a box.”

The struggle wasn’t just professional—it was financial. Ben’s steady paycheck lifestyle was anything but steady, and the roles that should have made him rich often fizzled out. The biggest heartbreak came with CBS’s Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer in 1984.

Ben played Mucci, an affable pimp with ties to New York’s underworld—a juicy, complex role that could have changed everything. But when lead actor Stacy Keach was arrested for drug smuggling, the show was canceled overnight, and Ben’s career trajectory was derailed by someone else’s mistake.

Grace Under Pressure

What makes Ben Powers’ story so compelling isn’t just the setbacks—it’s how he handled them. When Mike Hammer was canceled, Ben didn’t rage against the system. He didn’t air his grievances in the press or cause a scene. Instead, he quietly dusted himself off and asked, “What’s next?” Bern Nadette Stanis describes him as “the nicest guy in Hollywood,” a man who never let bitterness take root.

Ben left Hollywood in 1985, before Mike Hammer was picked up again. He understood the game: as a Black character actor, you weren’t getting leading roles, big contracts, or respect. But Ben never let that break his spirit. He became the actor directors could trust—smooth-talking, street-smart, and always on point.

“He was so professional, so talented,” Stanis says. “Above all, a really nice guy. Being known as the nice guy who gets the job done—that’s a superpower, and Ben had it mastered.”

Cult Classics and Quiet Hustle

Ben Powers wasn’t just a TV guy. He appeared in cult classics like Cheech & Chong’s Next Movie, Things Are Tough All Over, and The Man Who Loved Women. These weren’t Oscar contenders, but they showed Ben’s versatility and willingness to take on any project to keep working.

Behind the scenes, Ben found stability in his personal life. He married Julia Harper and had four children. Unlike many Hollywood marriages, theirs was private, drama-free, and real. They built a life away from the cameras, focusing on what mattered most—family.

Health Battles and Final Days

In the 2000s, Ben Powers faced his toughest challenge: liver problems that turned into liver cancer. Stanis recalls how Ben confronted his illness with dignity and grace, never seeking sympathy or making a spectacle. “He faced everything with quiet strength,” she says. “He didn’t want pity—he just wanted to live his life.”

As Ben’s health declined, his Good Times family rallied around him. Stanis and the cast made sure his contributions weren’t forgotten. They spoke openly about how Ben brought stability to the show’s final season and represented the kind of strong Black male character television desperately needed.

On April 6, 2015, Ben Powers passed away in New Bedford, Massachusetts, at age 64. He left behind a legacy of professionalism, friendship, and joy—despite never receiving the recognition he deserved.

The Dark Truth: Recognition Denied

Bern Nadette Stanis’s confession at 71 is bittersweet. “Ben never got his due,” she admits. “He was more than Keith Anderson. He was an artist, a friend, and a man who brought joy to millions—even when he was struggling behind the scenes.”

Here’s the truth Stanis wants fans to understand: Ben Powers never got the recognition he deserved. Hollywood wasn’t ready to let a Black man like him be the leading man. He was always the sidekick, the friend, the comic relief. But his impact was undeniable. He showed millions of viewers that you could succeed without selling your soul or compromising your values.

Stanis confesses, “The industry broke his heart. He should’ve been a star, but they wouldn’t let him shine. That’s the dark truth. Ben was so much more than Keith Anderson—he was a friend, a mentor, and a man who gave everything to his craft.”

Even now, as she looks back at 71, Stanis says she wishes Powers had been given the opportunities he deserved. “He was one of the best men I’ve ever known. Kind, generous, talented. He made me feel safe on set. He made everyone feel welcome.”

Why It Matters

Ben Powers’ story isn’t just a Hollywood cautionary tale—it’s a wake-up call. The industry needs to do better by its Black actors, to recognize their talent, and to give them the spotlight they deserve. Stanis urges fans to remember Powers not just as Thelma’s handsome husband, but as an artist who changed the game.

“He’ll always be remembered for Good Times,” Stanis says. “But his legacy is bigger than one show. He taught us all how to keep going, no matter what.”

The Final Word

At 71, Bern Nadette Stanis isn’t afraid to tell the truth about her friend and co-star. Ben Powers lived with dignity, worked with integrity, and loved with his whole heart. His career may have been filled with ups and downs, but his impact will never fade.

So next time you watch Good Times, remember the man behind Keith Anderson—the one who made Thelma smile, who brought stability to the Evans family, and who faced every challenge with courage. Ben Powers deserved better, but his legacy lives on in every laugh, every tear, and every memory.

Rest in power, Ben. You’ll always be a star in our hearts.