Popular TV star, James Avery has died at the age of 68. The actor who played Uncle Phil on the popular ’90s TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” died last night (31st December,2013) due to complications from an open heart surgery at a Los Angeles hospital
James La Rue Avery, Sr. (November 27, 1945 – December 31, 2013) was an American actor, best known for his portrayal of the patriarch and attorney (later judge) Philip Banks, Will Smith's character's uncle, in the TV show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". This character was ranked #34 in TV Guide's "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time."
He wrote poetry and television scripts before enjoying a host of acting roles in a large number of films and TV shows. These included roles in Greys Anatomy, The Closer and Star Trek: Enterprise, and a voice role in 1996 movie Happy Gilmore. He also provided the voice of Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series, as well as War Machine in the animated series Iron Man and Junkyard Dog in Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling. He also played Michael Kelso's commanding officer at the police academy late in the series run of the popular sitcom That '70s Show.
He had been working until September of 2013 on the Zach Braff film "Wish I Was Here", which will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Alfonso Ribeiro (who played Carlton, Avery's co-star on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), 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 was survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara; his mother, Florence Avery, and his step-son, Kevin Waters.
Plans are already being made for a memorial service.
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