James Avery was an American actor best known for his role as Uncle Phil on the popular television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Born on November 27, 1945, in Virginia, he had a successful career in both television and film, appearing in various series and movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In addition to acting, James Avery was also a talented voice actor, lending his voice to characters in animated series such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Lion King. He passed away on December 31, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.