76
From left, James Avery as Philip Banks, Will Smith as William "Will" Smith, and Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks, in an episode of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Avery, 65, the bulky character actor who laid down the law as the Honorable Philip Banks has died. (AP Photo/NBC, Ron Tom)
NEW YORK » James Avery, the bulky character actor who laid down the law as the Honorable Philip Banks in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," has died.
Avery’s publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said Avery died Tuesday in Glendale, Calif., following complications from open heart surgery. He was 65.
Avery played Will Smith’s uncle on the popular TV series. His movie credits included "Fletch," ”The Prince of Egypt" and "8 Million Ways to Die."
