Will Smith's Uncle, Uncle Phil (James Avery) in Fresh Prince of Bel Air Dies Before New Year!

Will Smith's uncle i Fresh Prince of Bel Air, uncle Phil (James Avery) has died at the age of 65. The actor died at an L.A. hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 31. According to TMZ, Avery recently underwent a surgery for an undisclosed illness. His wife, Barbara Avery, was at the hospital at the time of his death. She said: "I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly."

Avery also appeared in several other TV series, includingThe Jamie Foxx Show, The Division, That '70s Show, The Closer and Grey's Anatomy.