James Avery, Uncle Phil in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, dies aged 65

James Avery, best known as Will Smith’s Uncle Phil in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died aged 65.

Avery passed away on Tuesday in California, due to complications from open-heart surgery, his publicist Cynthia Snyder told The Associated Press.

His acting career began with an uncredited role in the classic film The Blues Brothers, before guest apperances in shows such as The Jeffersons, Newhart and The A-Team.

He then played Judge Michael Conover on LA Law and voiced the arch-enemy of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shredder, before moving on to the role he’s best known for.

Avery was the stern voice of reason in his nephew Will’s life, before growing into somewhat of a father figure in the six seasons of Fresh Prince, from 1990 to 1996.

The cast briefly reunited in 2011 at a charity event, and had remained close. Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Phil’s son Carlton on the show, took to Facebook to express his grief. ‘‘The world has lost a truly special man. I am very saddened to say that James Avery has passed,’’ Ribeiro wrote. ‘‘Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in life. He will be deeply missed.’’