One of Uncle Phil’s Greatest Moments on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ R.I.P James Avery [VIDEO]

One of the beloved cast members of my childhood favorite TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" has passed. James Avery played the lovable but stern "Uncle Phil" during the entire run of the 90's sitcom giant. Not only did we see a blossoming Will Smith on the show but we were treated to some real talent on a weekly basis from some of the best in Hollywood.

According to TMZ, Avery died due to complications from open-heart surgery he’d recently had.

Avery had roles on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Jeffersons. He’s also known as the voice of Shredder, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ primary enemy.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Uncle Phil’s son Carlton on Fresh Prince, took to social media to express his anguish.

“I am very saddened to say that James Avery has passed,” he said 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.”

Will Smith, has not commented yet  leaving it up to Jada Pinkett-Smith to make a public statement about the actor’s death.

"James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from "The Fresh Prince" has passed. Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him. Rest in peace James."

James was 68.

[TMZ]
Take a look at one of the tenderest moments from the Fresh Prince: