Fresh Prince actor James Avery dies
James Avery, who played Will Smith's uncle in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died at the age of 68.
His publicist says the actor - who laid down the law as the Honourable Philip Banks in the 90s comedy - passed away on Tuesday evening.
She says Avery died due to complications from open heart surgery.
Though he has numerous credits to his name, Avery is fondly remembered for playing attorney and judge Philip Banks, a.k.a. Uncle Phil, on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996.
Uncle Phil gave Will Smith's character, also named Will, tough love after his nephew left Philadelphia and moved into his home. In turn, Will mercilessly teased Uncle Phil.
Fresh Prince star Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Phil's son Carlton, tweeted on Wednesday, "I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly."
Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, wrote on Facebook, "I was hoping to start the new year differently but we have lost yet another friend. James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince has passed. Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him. Rest in peace James."
Fans of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series in the 1980s will also remember Avery as the voice of the villainous Shredder.
Avery's other work includes the TNT series The Closer, and the films The Prince of Egypt and Dr. Dolittle 2. He recently shot an appearance in the upcoming Zach Braff film Wish I Was Here.
Avery is survived by his wife, his mother and his stepson.
(Photo: Chris Connor/WENN)
- Sky News and ABC Air Power