Anthony Powers

Multifaceted performer Anthony Powers (a native of the East Bronx) debuted onscreen in 1980 (with an acting role in Bob Clark's sentimental drama Tribute) but devoted the majority of that decade to his career in the music industry, where his accomplishments included working as a contracted songwriter for Trio Music in New York's Brill Building and later Screen Gems/Columbia Music; as such, his songs appeared in a myriad of films, television programs, commercial advertisements, and Broadway musicals. (Hits included "98.6," "Lazy Day," and "Why Do Lovers Break Each Other's Hearts?")

Beginning around 1987, Powers continued his songwriting activity, but started placing a greater emphasis on acting roles in motion pictures. He landed bit parts and supporting roles in A-list features including Cookie (1989), Cadillac Man (1990), GoodFellas (1990, as Jimmy Two Times), Full Frontal (2002), and Catch Me If You Can (2002), in addition to guest spots on NYPD Blue and The King of Queens. In the majority of his roles, Powers specialized in playing street-smart urban characters and occasional thugs and heavies. Powers' music video for "Don't Nobody Move (This Is a Heist)" won the silver medal in 1983 at the 26th Annual International Film and Video Festival of New York.

~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide