Will Smith posted a tribute yesterday (January 5) on his Facebook page to James Avery, who played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

“Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery. Every young man needs an Uncle
Phil. Rest in Peace

“This photo was the last time we were together”,” Smith wrote on his Facebook page.

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air aired from 1990-96. Smith and Avery appeared in more than 140 episodes together. The program helped Smith transition from his career as a rapper in the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince into a television and film star.

Avery, who played Philip Banks on the television series, passed away December 31. The 68-year-old actor passed away due to complications from open heart surgery, which took place in November, according to Avery’s representative, as per CNN.

Smith’s Facebook post is as follows:

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RELATED:“The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” Co-Stars Mourn James Avery’s Passing