James Avery Dead: ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s’ Uncle Phil Dies From Complications Due to Open Heart Surgery

James Avery, who was best known for his role as Uncle Phil on the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," died at the age of 65. According to TMZ, Avery passed away New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) night at a hospital in Glendale, Ca.

Sources told the site that Avery had undergone open heart surgery for an undisclosed illness when he took a turn for the worse. His wife, Barbara Avery, was at the hospital with him but left for a short period of time. When she came back she received the devastating news that Avery had died.

The news was confirmed on Twitter by Avery's "Fresh Prince" costar Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks.

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

He also spoke about the death on Facebook writing: "The world has lost a truly special man. I am very saddened to say that James Avery has passed. Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in life. He will be deeply missed."

Avery appeared on the popular show from 1990 to 1996. He also starred in a dozen other TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "The Closer," "L.A. Law" and "The Jeffersons."

According to PX11, the actor grew up in Atlantic City, N.J where he was raised by a single mother. He also served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Avery's first onscreen appearance was in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers" as a dancer.

"You can either be a movie star or an actor. I'm an actor," he said in a 2007 interview with the New York Film Academy. "[But] I've done pretty good."

Avery is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery, his mother, Florence Avery and a stepson, Kevin Waters.

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