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Actor Best Known for Role as Uncle Phil on 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Dies at 65
This photo provided by NBC shows, from left, James Avery as Philip Banks, Will Smith as William "Will" Smith, and Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks, in episode 7, "Def Poet's Society" from the TV series, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Avery, 65, the bulky character actor who laid down the law as the Honorable Philip Banks has died. Avery's publicist, Cynthia Snyder, told The Associated Press that Avery died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/NBC, Ron Tom) AP Photo/NBC, Ron Tom

Actor Best Known for Role as Uncle Phil on 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Dies at 65

NEW YORK (AP) -- 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.

This photo provided by NBC shows, from left, James Avery as Philip Banks, Will Smith as William "Will" Smith, and Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks, in episode 7, "Def Poet's Society" from the TV series, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Avery, 65, the bulky character actor who laid down the law as the Honorable Philip Banks has died. Avery's publicist, Cynthia Snyder, told The Associated Press that Avery died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/NBC, Ron Tom)

Avery's publicist, Cynthia Snyder, told The Associated Press that 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."

This photo provided by NBC shows, Joseph Marcell, left, as Geoffrey, and James Avery, as Philip Banks, in the episode "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse" from the TV series, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Avery, 65, the bulky character actor who laid down the law as the Honorable Philip Banks has died. Avery's publicist, Cynthia Snyder, told The Associated Press that Avery died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. (AP Photo/NBC, Margaret Norton)

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