James Avery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Avery
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Avery in 2001
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| Born |
James La Rue Avery
November 27, 1945 Suffolk, Virginia, U.S.
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| Died | December 31, 2013 (aged 68) Glendale, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1980–2013 |
| Spouse(s) |
Barbara Avery
(m. 1988) |
James La Rue Avery (born November 27, 1945 – died December 31, 2013) was an American actor. He was super famous for playing Philip Banks, also known as "Uncle Phil," in the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He was also the voice of Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon.
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Early Life and Education
James Avery was born in Pughsville, Virginia, on November 27, 1945. Later, he moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
He joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. After his military service, he moved to San Diego, California. There, he started writing poems and TV scripts for PBS. He even won an Emmy award for his work there! He then got a scholarship to UC San Diego. In 1976, he earned a degree in drama and literature.
Acting Career Highlights
James Avery started his acting journey in the 1980s. He appeared in many TV shows like Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law.
Becoming Uncle Phil
In the 1990s, he became very well-known for his role as Philip Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This character was so popular that TV Guide magazine called him one of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time." After The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ended, he starred in the comedy series Sparks.
Voice Acting Roles
James Avery also had a powerful voice. He voiced Shredder in the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon. He was also the voice of James Rhodes/War Machine in the 1990s Iron Man series. Other voice roles included Junkyard Dog in Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling and Haroud Hazi Bin in Aladdin.
He returned to his old university, UC San Diego, to give speeches to graduating students in 2007 and 2012.
Personal Life and Family
In 1988, James Avery married his girlfriend, Barbara. She worked at Loyola Marymount University. James did not have any biological children of his own. However, he was a loving stepfather to Barbara's son, Kevin Waters.
His Passing and Tributes
James Avery passed away on December 31, 2013, at the age of 68. He died in Glendale, California, due to problems after heart surgery.
Many of his co-stars from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air shared their sadness. Janet Hubert, who played his TV wife, said, "RIP James, all the world is a stage, and we are all merely players in this production called LIFE." Will Smith, who played his nephew, said that James taught him a lot about acting and being a good person. He added, "Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in peace." Alfonso Ribeiro, who played his son Carlton, said James was like a "second father" to him.
James Avery's remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered near the Pacific Ocean. In 2020, the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunited online to remember James and his best moments on the show.
Selected Film and Television Work
James Avery had a long and successful career in both movies and TV shows. Here are some of his notable appearances:
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) - Philip Banks
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1993) - Shredder (voice)
- L.A. Law (1988-1992) - Judge Michael Conover
- The Brady Bunch Movie (1995) - Steve Yeager
- Aladdin (1994) - Haroud Hazi Bin (voice)
- The Closer (2005-2007) - Dr. Crippen
- Iron Man (1994-1995) - Jim Rhodes / War Machine (voice)
- That '70s Show (2004) - Officer Kennedy
See also
In Spanish: James Avery para niños
