A rotary lock actuator for manual or powered actuation of a lock of the type typically used on vehicle doors or storage compartments. The actuator has a housing with a motorized drive train therein. An actuating member is movable between first and second positions. A manual drive member and a powered drive member each have first and second drive surfaces spaced apart from one another. A drive finger is disposed in the spaces between the first and second drive surfaces of each drive member such that the drive finger is engageable with the actuating member. The first driving surface of each drive member engages the finger for moving the actuating member from a first position toward a second position upon movement of one of the drive members. The drive finger is engageable by the second driving surface of each drive member for moving the actuating member from a second position toward the first position upon movement one of the drive members. A bi-stable spring assists movement of the actuating member.