James Avery, the actor who played Philip Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” died yesterday (December 31). He was 65.
Avery’s publicist, Cynthia Snyder, confirmed the actor’s passing to The Associated Press, though his cause of death was unknown at press time.
Beyond his role as Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Avery was also known as the voice of Shredder on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” television series. Avery voiced Shredder for more than 100 episodes, according to imdb.com.
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Avery also appeared on several other television programs, including “My Wife & Kids,” “Girlfriends,” “That’s So Raven” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
HipHopDX would like to extend condolences to James Avery’s family, friends, fans and associates.
Rappers Respond To James Avery’s Death
Many rappers have mourned Avery’s passing with messages on Twitter regarding the actor and his work’s impact.
RIP to Mr. James Avery. From all the accounts I’ve heard from people who knew him, Uncle Phil really was a stand up dude. Respect.
— Phonte (@phontigallo) January 1, 2014
R.I.P. James Avery aka Uncle Phil !!! Damn
— Δ ŠΛ∇^**Σ (@DagSav) January 1, 2014
Love and condolences to those close to James Avery. We all loved Uncle Phil.
— SOULKHAN (@soulkhan) January 1, 2014
Man.. I wake up to hear Uncle Phil died? I’m going back to sleep, this is no way to start my gotdam year..
— NiCKLE (@Royceda59) January 1, 2014
Damn. RIP James Avery. Uncle Phil was an amazing character.
— Apathy (@ApathyDGZ) January 1, 2014
RIP James Avery AKA Uncle Phil…. Blessings to his family
— D.N.A™ (@DNA_GTFOH) January 1, 2014
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