RIP James Avery

You may know James Avery better by his character Uncle Phil in the show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air which starred Will Smith.

The initial reports piled in after Alfonso Ribeiro, better known for playing James Avery's TV son Carlton Banks, posted this below:

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

via IGN

Avery was a classically trained actor who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. His first role onscreen was that of an uncredited dancer in 1980's The Blues Brothers.

Avery's distinctive voice and gravitas provided him with many distinguished roles, such as doctors, professors, and -- as was the case in Fresh Prince -- judges. He was also a sought-after voice actor, playing Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series and Rhodey/War Machine in the 1990s Iron Man and Spider-Man cartoons.

Avery is survived by his wife, mother, and step-son.

James Avery was 65 at the time of his passing. The cause of death was complication from an open-heart surgery performed a few weeks earlier, according to his manager.

Thank you, Mr. Avery, for all the laughter and entertainment.