Uncle Phil From Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Has Died
2013 just had to get in one last kick to the soul… Millions of childhoods are bawling while sliding across the kitchen floor today, because James Avery, who played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air for 6 seasons, died at a hospital in Glendale, CA last night. James was 65.
TMZ says that James died from complications of open heart surgery, which he underwent recently. James’ TV son, Alfonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton), tweeted this today:
I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/UrW0EeBFbO
— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) January 1, 2014
Children of the 80s also know James Avery as the voice of Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon.
And since we’re already covered in the sads, why not add a few layers more:
Yeah, that weird, unfamiliar warmth hugging your heart is called emotions.
Rest in peace, Uncle Phil.