As 2014 begins, more sad news has hit Hollywood and fans of a hit 90s TV show.
For those who may not have heard already, actor James Avery, famous for his portrayal of Uncle Phil from the popular show, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air—died Wednesday morning.
According to reports, he passed away after undergoing complications from open heart surgery.
The first to publicly confirm the news this morning was Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Avery’s onscreen son Carlton Banks.
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
More than a few NBA players grew up as fans of the show and expressed their grief via Twitter.
RIP James Avery
— Anthony Bennett (@AnthonyBennett) January 1, 2014
Wow…just heard Uncle Phil died. R.I.P. #FreshPrince
— Anthony Tolliver (@ATolliver44) January 1, 2014
RIP Uncle Phil
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) January 1, 2014
RIP James Avery “uncle Phil” enjoyed every moment of him on fresh prince
— Andrew Nicholson (@nicholaf44) January 1, 2014
R.I.P James Avery…
— DeAndre Jordan (@deandrejordan) January 1, 2014
Jada Pinkett-Smith, wife of Will Smith, star of The Fresh Prince—both of whom are minority owners of the Philadelphia 76ers, took to her Facebook page to express condolences:
Happy New Year everyone! I was hoping to start the new year differently but we have lost yet another friend. James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince has passed.
Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him.
It is with great sadness that we bid James Avery farewell and extend our deepest condolences to his family.
One of his best scenes with Will in Fresh Prince.
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