James Avery, best known for his role as Philip Banks (a.k.a. “Uncle Phil”) on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” has reportedly passed away at the age of 68.
Details have not been released about a cause of death, but according to TMZ.com he passed away last night at an L.A. area hospital.
His “Fresh Prince” co-star offered condolences via twitter.
I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away,” Ribero tweeted. “He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.”
Ribiero, who played his son Carlton Banks on the sitcom, also took to his Facebook page to pay tribute to the actor.
According to Eurweb.com, Avery had recently undergone surgery for an undisclosed illness and took a turn for the worse late yesterday.
According to TMZ, his wife, Barbara, had been at his bedside but left for a short period of time to get something to eat. When she came back, she learned he had just died.
Avery was also was known for voicing the character Shredder in the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” television series and made multiple cameo appearances on popular programs like “That 70′s Show,” “CSI” and “Closer.”
Avery took part in 148 episodes of Fresh Prince of Bel Air and was ranked as TV Guide’s 34th best television series ‘Dad’ of all-time.
Information from TVGuide.com, TMZ.com and Eurweb.com contributed to this report.
