'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' star James Avery dies

James Avery, best known for his role as Will Smith's uncle Philip Banks on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', has passed away at the age of 68.
According the actor's manager, Toni Benson, Avery died on December 31 at a hospital in Glendale, California due to complications from open-heart surgery, reported E!Online.
In an interview with New York Daily News, Avery's mother Florence said that her son's wife Barbara was "practically living" at the hospital when the actor was under treatment.
Avery, who was born in Virginia, was raised by his mother in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The actor's first appearance in big screen was in 1980's movie 'The Blues Brothers'. The actor also appeared in many shows such as 'CSI', 'That '70s Show', 'The Closer' and 'LA Law'.

He also lent his voice to a number of animated shows and films over the years, including TV's 'Teenage Mutanta Ninja Turtles', the 1990s-era 'Iron Man' series and DreamWork's 'The Prince of Egypt'. His many live-action film credits include 'The Brady Bunch Movie' and 'Dr Dolittle 2'.

In September, he took part in the filming of Zach Braff-directed movie 'Wish I Was Here'.
After learning of the sad news, Smith's wife Jada Pinkett took to Facebook to offer condolences.
"Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him.