Actor James “Uncle Phil” Avery Dead At 65

Actor James Avery, most well known for his role as "Uncle Phil" on the hit hip-hop tinged television sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has died at the age of 65, reports TMZ. According to the report, Avery had recently undergone open heart surgery and died from complications from the procedure. The long-time actor's passing was confirmed by former Fresh Prince co-star Alphonso Ribeiro who took to his Facebook page to break the sad news. "The world has lost a truly special man. I am very saddened to say James Avery has passed," he typed. "Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in real life. He will be deeply missed."

Avery's role as Uncle Phil in the popular sitcom starring rapper tuned actor Will Smith may have been his most well known gig, but the New Jersey native has a lengthy list of acting and voice-over credits which also includes voicing Shredder on the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon, as well as roles on LA Law, The Closer, The Division and many more.

XXL would like to express out condolences to the family and friends of James Avery.