Actor James Avery, best known to most as ‘Uncle Phil’ on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,’ passed away on New Year’s Eve due to complications from open heart surgery. He was later cremated and his family scattered his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. Over the weekend, many of the show’s cast came together to celebrate his life at his memorial services. Alfonso Ribiero (aka Carlton Banks), Karyn Parsons (aka Hilary Banks), Tatyana Ali (aka Ashley Banks), Joseph Marcell (aka Geoffrey) and Daphne Reid (aka Aunt Viv) were all in attendance, pictured above with James’ wife, Barbara. In related news, new reports show that aside from his main cause of death, James was suffering with severe coronary heart disease and end-stage kidney disease as well as type-2 diabetes at the time of his passing. RIP.
(Photos) ‘Fresh Prince’ Cast Reunites For James Avery’s Memorial; More Details About His Health Revealed
Will Smith Speaks On James Avery’s Passing!
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a classic sitcom. Who could ever forget when Will’s father showed up only to disappoint him by leaving again? Who was by his side – Uncle Phil! What about the time when Will had ‘speed’ in his locker and sent Carlton to the ER. Uncle Phil remained by his side. Or what about the time Will got hustled at the pool hall…you know it – Uncle Phil got those funds back. Although a television family, the group had a major bond that pulled us all in. With the passing of James Avery, the family sent out their condolences and now, Will Smith speaks out. (TEAR)! Hit the jump to see what he had to say about the passing of someone near and dear.
(Photos) Jada Pinkett-Smith, Tatyana Ali, Alfonso Ribeiro React To James Avery’s Passing
As news spreads that the beloved James Avery, who played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, has passed…his co-stars and friends have been speaking out to express their condolences. Just last week, the Fresh Prince family lost the show’s producer Jeffrey Pollack, so this unfortunately just adds to their grief. Check out reactions from Alfonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton Banks), Tatyana Ali (aka Ashley Banks) and Jada Pinkett-Smith (who uses “we” so I’ll take that as Will as well) in the gallery.
RIP: James Avery aka “Uncle Phil” Has Passed Away
James Avery, the man everyone came to love as Uncle Phil on The Fresh Price of Bel Air, has passed away at the age of 65. The actor had recently undergone open heart surgery, and his health turned for the worst yesterday due to complications from the operation. His wife had JUST left his side at his hospital bed for something to eat, and when she returned, he had passed. Reactions from his television son Alfonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton) in the gallery, and we will add more as Tatyana Ali, Will Smith and more are likely to comment. RIP!
