Rest in Peace

After receiving information from related affiliates, it became apparent that James Avery, Sitcoms “Uncle Phil”, had passed away on January 6th 2014. He was sixty-eight years old.

 

Shocked by the beloved character’s death, many West Morris Central students spoke out in respect for the honorable “Judge Banks”. Many students even claimed, “Everybody needs an Uncle Phil”.

 

Accomplished scholar Josh Kaplan said,

 

“It’s so surreal to think about. With the amount of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air I watched, I feel like I just lost an uncle.”

 

According to Avery’s immediate family, he had just undergone open-heart surgery and unfortunately suffered from fatal complications.

 

Former co-star, Alfonso Ribeiro, commented via social media,

 

“I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.”

 

A professionally trained actor and poet, James Avery grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey and was raised by a single mother until eventually enlisting in the armed forces. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and first appeared onscreen as a dancer in an unaccredited role in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers.”

 

As many laud Avery’s stern roll in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a whole new fan base was revealed praising him also from earlier work in his life. Avery also voiced characters for many animated series, most predominantly for 1987’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and the 1990s “Iron Man” series.

 

It goes without doubt that many admire and cherish the material James Avery contributed to the entertainment industry, and even though his life is complete, he will still bring smiles to viewer faces worldwide. Despite the brief shadow casted after his death, on James Avery, the sun will eternally go on to shine.