James Avery, the actor who played “Uncle Phil” on the “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” passed away on Dec. 31. He was 65.
According to various reports, Avery had undergone an open heart surgery recently, and died due to complications from that procedure at an undisclosed hospital in Los Angeles. His wife Barbara had left momentarily to get food, and when she returned, was told that Avery had passed away.
Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks on the show, tweeted about Avery’s passing, saying he was deeply upset about the death. Ribeiro said he thought of Avery as a second dad and that he’ll be missed.
Avery, who was born in 1948, was raised in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area by a single mom. During the Vietnam War, he joined the Navy. Afterwards, he moved to the San Diego area where he started writing TV scripts and poetry for the station PBS. Avery, who was a naturally trained actor and poet, got his start on screen in the film “The Blues Brothers” as a dancer. He was not credited for the part.
During an interview with the show “Unscripted”, Avery said he loved the arts and knew that writing was something he always wanted to do. He said theater was what he got involved in.
Avery’s infamous role was playing Phillip Banks on the 1990s hit show“Fresh Prince”, the loving but stern uncle to Will Smith’s character. He also did the voice of Shredder for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, That ‘70s Show and The Closer.
Avery is survived by his wife Barbara.
