Was Ben Powers blacklisted (or banished) from Hollywood sometime after 1985?

[EccentricGenius]

Last year, Ben Powers (the actor who played Keith Anderson on "Good Times") died of liver cancer at the age of 64. It was a tragic loss to many "Good Times" fans who wondered what became of him after the sitcom ended.

I would look at Powers's credits on IMDb (The Internet Movie Database) occasionally while wondering what became of him. Seems like after 1985, Powers never acted again. He had a recurring role (as "Moochie") on the first two seasons (1984-85) of "The New Mike Hammer" starring Stacy Keach. Prior to "The New Mike Hammer," Powers also guest-starred on "The Greatest American Hero," "Gimme A Break," "The New Odd Couple," and "Laverne and Shirley."

My question is this: Was Ben Powers blacklisted (or banished) from Hollywood sometime after 1985? I've read several rumors online over the years, from drug addiction to leaving Hollywood (and the state of California) due to a pending lawsuit (and possible criminal charges) over a rape charge.

Powers was so talented...his impressions of Cosby, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, and Peter Falk (among others) were legendary. Given his talent, it's unfortunate that his career never progressed (or evolved) beyond "Good Times" (ditto for Ralph "Michael" Carter). Perhaps someday we will learn the real truth about Powers' exodus from the entertainment industry. May he rest in peace.

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Enjoy your evening!