James Avery's Death and Will Smith's Public Response
James Avery, best known for playing Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, passed away on December 31, 2013, in Glendale, California, at age 68. His death was caused by complications from open heart surgery performed earlier that month. Will Smith, who starred as Will Smith's on-screen son, publicly acknowledged the loss and described Avery as a father figure who shaped his understanding of family and discipline. Smith has referenced Avery's influence in multiple interviews, emphasizing the role Avery played in his early career development and personal growth.
The news of Avery's death was widely reported by outlets including The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, with tributes from cast members and fans globally. Will Smith shared a public statement on social media, calling Avery a mentor and a cornerstone of his formative years. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast reunion events in subsequent years have included memorial segments honoring Avery's contributions to the show and to television history.
James Avery's Career and Role in Will Smith's Breakout Series
James Avery joined The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990 and portrayed the authoritative yet loving patriarch Philip Banks across all six seasons, which aired from 1990 to 1996 on NBC. The show, created by Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz, became a defining sitcom of the 1990s and launched Will Smith's career as a global entertainment figure. Avery's performance as Uncle Phil earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination and a permanent place in television history.
Before The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Avery built a career in theater and voice acting, including roles in animated series such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Transformers. His film credits include roles in films like The Brady Bunch Movie and Eight Crazy Nights. Will Smith has consistently credited Avery's guidance during the show's run as instrumental in shaping his work ethic and approach to acting, a fact documented in multiple profiles on sites like IMDb and biography pages on entertainment reference platforms.
Legacy and Tributes: Will Smith Remembers James Avery
In the years following Avery's death, Will Smith has continued to honor his former co-star's legacy. During interviews promoting his films and projects, Smith has spoken about Avery's impact on his life, often describing him as the adult male figure who provided structure and wisdom during his childhood in Hollywood. In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, Smith reflected on the lessons learned from Avery on set, noting how those experiences influenced his own approach to fatherhood and leadership.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air remains a culturally significant property, with streaming availability on platforms like Netflix and HBO Max driving renewed interest in Avery's work. Will Smith's 2021 memoir, Will, includes passages about Avery's influence, further cementing the actor's legacy for new audiences. Industry outlets such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have published retrospective pieces on Avery's career, often citing Will Smith's public praise as a key element in preserving the actor's reputation in entertainment history.