James Avery is best known as the stern, but loveable Uncle Phil from the 1990's comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Though he has appeared in roles in other TV shows and movies as well as being an avid voice actor, he will always be most fondly remembered for being the patriarch of the family that took Will Smith's character in.
Unfortuntely, James Avery passed away on Dec. 31, 2013 following complications that stemmed from having open heart surgery, as previously reported. He hasn't done much acting in the past few years, many easily knew his name, or at least what he was most known for.
When the news was first announced that Avery had passed away, celebrities began tweeting their sadness and condolences for his passing, especially since he was only 68.
Alfonso Riberieo, who played Carlton on Fresh Prince was one of the first to post about Avery's passing, writing:
I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/UrW0EeBFbO
— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) January 1, 2014
Tia Mowry
RIP James Avery! You will always be America's favorite television dad.
— Tia Mowry (@TiaMowry) January 1, 2014
Tatyana Ali, played Ashley Banks on the show
James was my teacher my protector & the most magnificent actor. We're feeling his loss very deeply. He'll always be apart of me #JamesAvery
— Tatyana Ali (@TatyanaAli) January 1, 2014
Miguel A Nunez Jr.
Rest in Peace James Avery. Love you. One of the best actors of our time.
— Miguel A Nunez Jr (@MiguelANunezJr) January 1, 2014
Melissa Joan Hart
RIP! Thanks for the laughs. RT @cnnbrk: James Avery, star of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,' dies at 68. http://t.co/49EcHIVkMx
— Melissa Joan Hart (@MelissaJoanHart) January 1, 2014
Though stars have just started tweeting about Avery's passing, Twitter has been full of fans all coming together through the hastags: #ripunclephil and #ripjamesavery to remember the actor.