After graduating, Powell spent time in Hollywood pursuing acting. He landed bit parts alongside other aspiring actors and actresses, including an appearance with Jane Powell. During this period, he briefly signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

Powell’s most memorable role began when he developed the “Foreman Scotty” character, a friendly ranch foreman who—complete with a cowboy hat and comedic sidekicks—entertained children throughout Oklahoma. After a three-year stint at KOTV in Tulsa, Powell brought the show back to WKY-TV in Oklahoma City. Debuting around 1957, the “Foreman Scotty” show ran for nearly 15 years.

Set on a ranch-themed stage, the show featured humorous sketches, visits from local kids, and recurring cast members such as Cannonball McCoy, Xavier T. Willard, and (in a later adventure segment) “3D Danny,” played by Danny Williams. One of the show’s signature elements was the “Magic Lasso,” which appeared daily to “lasso” a lucky child who would then walk away with a coveted “Golden Horseshoe.” Over time, these horseshoes became sought-after collectibles, sometimes turning up in online auctions at high prices.

Steve Powell and his wife Mary were proud parents and longtime Oklahoma City residents. Even years after the show ended in 1971, Foreman Scotty remained a nostalgic figure for the children who had grown up watching him. The show’s memory lives on through surviving memorabilia, local lore, and ongoing efforts to celebrate Powell’s contribution to Oklahoma television history.