James Avery "Uncle Phil" Dies

Actor James Avery, best known for his role as Uncle Phil on the 1990's sitcom show "The Fresh Of Bel Air", died on New Year Eve, at the age of 68. 

Avery passed away from complication after undergoing open heart surgery.

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, who played the Avery's son Calton on "Fresh Prince", tweeted out this statement:  

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

After the "Fresh Prince", Avery went to guest appear in shows like "L.A. Law" and "The Closure." He was also the voice of Shredder on the cartoon series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." 

He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery; his mother, Florence Avery; and a stepson Kevin Waters. 

Talitha