James Avery – Open Heart Surgery Complications
The role of Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is forever tied to the talented actor, James Avery. He passed away during open-heart surgery at the age of 68. Will Smith, who played his nephew in the show, remembers him warmly. He said that the actor taught him how to be a better version of himself during his young years, both in the professional and personal sense.
Avery died in California, on December 31th, 2013. He left behind his wife, Barbara Avery – the couple had no children. He requested to be cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.