He Would Be 79! James Avery's Sad Cause Of Death

James LaRue Avery was born on November 27, 1945, in Pughsville (now part of Suffolk), Virginia. Before pursuing acting, Avery served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, an experience that shaped much of his personal life and worldviews. After his military service, he moved to California to chase his dreams of becoming an actor, and in the 1970s, Avery started landing small roles in TV shows and films. His early career included guest appearances on shows like ‘The Jeffersons’, ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, and ‘Silver Spoons’—often playing tough, authoritative figures, a role that would later translate into his iconic "Uncle Phil."

In the 1980s, Avery's career began to take off as he landed more prominent roles, including the voice of the villainous "Shredder" in the animated series ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. His ability to convey authority, strength, and menace in his voice acting was a standout, and it would eventually make him one of the most respected voices in animation. But it was in the 1990s, with his role as "Uncle Phil," that Avery would cement his place in television history.

When ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ debuted in 1990, James Avery was cast as "Philip Banks," the wealthy, dignified lawyer who takes in his street-smart nephew, "Will" (played by Will Smith), into his plush Bel-Air mansion. "Uncle Phil" quickly became a fan favorite—his stern but loving demeanor, combined with his ability to deliver both heartfelt moments and sharp wit, made him a standout on the show.

Avery’s portrayal was a masterclass in balancing humor with deep emotional depth, especially in scenes that dealt with family struggles, like when "Uncle Phil" grapples with the challenges of raising a teenage nephew while dealing with his own personal and professional obstacles.

One of the standout episodes that showcased Avery's range as an actor was the season 4 episode "Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse," where "Uncle Phil" consoles "Will" after his biological father, "Lou," abandons him. Avery's emotional performance in this episode was deeply moving, and it remains one of the most memorable scenes from the show. The moment became a cultural touchstone, with Avery's ability to express grief, disappointment, and love, all in one scene, standing as a testament to his skill as an actor.

But it wasn’t just Avery’s acting that earned him acclaim—it was also his quiet leadership behind the scenes. He was a respected figure on set, helping mentor the younger cast members and contributing to the positive atmosphere that made ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ a beloved classic. His portrayal of "Uncle Phil" helped to redefine the portrayal of Black fathers on TV, breaking away from stereotypes and showing a strong, loving, and emotionally complex parental figure.

While Avery was undeniably defined by his role in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, his career extended well beyond that. As mentioned earlier, Avery was an accomplished voice actor, bringing life to the villainous "Shredder" in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. He also voiced "Daddy Warbucks" in the 1999 animated adaptation of ‘Annie’, as well as various characters in ‘Aladdin: The Animated Series’ and ‘The Lion Guard’. His voice work was always noted for its gravitas, which he used to imbue his animated characters with both depth and presence.

In addition to voice acting, Avery made appearances in numerous films and TV shows throughout the years. He had recurring roles in ‘The Jeffersons’, ‘The West Wing’, and ‘That’s So Raven’. His film credits included parts in ‘The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement’ (2004) and ‘Dr. Dolittle 2’ (2001). His versatility as an actor allowed him to move easily between comedy, drama, and voiceover work, showing that his talent wasn't confined to one genre or medium.

James Avery tragically passed away on December 31, 2013, at the age of 68, just days before ringing in the New Year. His death was caused by complications from open-heart surgery. At the time, his passing was met with an outpouring of love and grief from both fans and fellow actors. Will Smith, who played "Will" on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, shared an emotional tribute to Avery, writing on Facebook: "Some of my greatest lessons in life came through James Avery... he was the most loving, giving, and special man." Fans of the show also mourned the loss of an actor who had shaped their childhoods and gave them a father figure they could relate to.

Avery’s death marked the end of an era for fans of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, but his legacy lives on through his work. His portrayal of "Uncle Phil" is still remembered today as one of the greatest television performances, and his impact as a voice actor is still appreciated by fans of the animated series he contributed to. Even though Avery is gone, the warmth, wisdom, and love he brought to his roles will never be forgotten.