Actor, author, and U.S. Navy Veteran are just a mere few words to describe the charismatic Mr. James Avery. The Virginia born, New Jersey bred entertainer departed this life on December 31, 2013 from complications from open-heart surgery. He was 68.
Raised by his single mother, Avery portrayed one of the most beloved fictional fathers (and uncles) on television as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air‘s Philip Banks. With his combination of rigorous rules, pure heart, and slapstick humor – Avery’s “Uncle Phil” was one of the best.
One of the industry’s most inventive actors, he was first bitten by the acting bug in 1980, making his onscreen début as a dancer in the cult classic The Blues Brothers with John Belushi.
Since then, he had evolved – appearing in multiple television shows and movies, including Girlfriends, NYPD Blue, CSI, L.A. Law, A Different World and Dr. Dolittle 2. His distinctive, yet commanding voice garnered him many roles as professors and doctors, as well as, put him in demand as a voice actor. His notable voice roles included Rhodey in the 1990s animated version of Iron Man. And Shredder in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to name a few. He, also, shared his voice for video games, such as, 1995’s Animated Storybook: The Lion King.
Despite his extensive resume, he’s known to many for his six-year run as Phillip Banks, the uncle to Will Smith on the 90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. To those who are unfamiliar with the show, Smith‘s character was a Philadelphia teenager and nephew of Phil’s wife Vivian Banks. After getting into trouble, he was sent by his mom to live with his wealthy Los Angeles relatives. As Phillip Banks, affectingly referred to as “Uncle Phil”, Avery portrayed a Harvard trained attorney turned judge and former civil-rights activist. He was the stern, but caring patriarch who was a loving husband, devoted father to his own three kids, plus second father and role model for his nephew. Despite his serious moments, there were many comical ones.
Alfonso Riberio, who portrayed his son Carlton Banks tweeted: I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.
Avery is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery; his mother, Florence Avery; and his stepson, Kevin Waters.