James ‘Uncle Phil’ Avery passes away

It has been reported that actor James Avery, who played ‘Uncle Phil’ in the television show ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’, has died.

According to entertainment website TMZ Avery passed away last night from complications after recent open heart surgery.

Avery, who was 65, also had roles in The Jeffersons’, ‘L.A. Law’ and ‘Grey's Anatomy’.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who played his TV son ‘Carlton Banks’ in the comedy series, called him a ‘father figure’ on his Facebook page.

“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,” said Ribeiro.

Will Smith, the star of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’, has yet to comment on Avery’s death.