Fresh Prince's Uncle Phil Dies

James Avery was 65
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 1, 2014 12:47 PM CST

James Avery, who memorably starred as Will Smith's gruff Uncle Phil on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died at the age of 65, TMZ reports. Avery had reportedly recently undergone open heart surgery, and died from complications in a Los Angeles hospital last night. His wife Barbara had briefly left his side, reports TMZ. "The world has lost a truly special man," said Alfonso Ribeiro in a Facebook post. "Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in life. He will be deeply missed. " (Read more entertainment stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X