December 31, 2013 is one of the saddest days for many Fresh Prince of Bel-Air fans and casts. On New Year's Eve, 'Uncle Phil', one of the show's most loved characters, passed away at the age of 68. Avery, who is also known for being the voice of Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series and War Machine in the animated series Iron Man, succumbed to death in at a Los Angeles hospital due to complications from open-heart surgery.

Will Smith, Fresh Prince's main star is yet to make a statement regarding the news but his wife already sent their family's condolences through her Facebook page. She said:

"Happy New Year everyone! I was hoping to start the new year differently but we have lost yet another friend.

 

"James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince has passed.

 

"Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him. Rest in peace James."

 

Alfonso Ribeiro, who plays Carlton Banks, is the first to break the sad news on Twitter. He tweeted:

@alfonso_ribeiro

I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.

1:55 AM - 1 Jan 2014

Other Fresh Prince actors also took to Twitter to express their sorrow about James Avery's passing.

DJ Jazzy Jeff wrote:

@djjazzyjeff215

RIP James Avery...Thank U for the talks,travel tips and the jazz cd's. A great Friend and Even Better Person...You will be Missed!! #FPOB

3:17 AM - 2 Jan 2014

 

Supermodel Tyra Banks played Will Smith's girlfriend on the show:

@tyrabanks

Sending condolences to the family of James Avery, "Uncle Phil" of the Fresh Prince. I'll always remember how warm he was to me on set.

8:45 AM - 2 Jan 2014

 

Tatyana Ali, known as Ashley Banks, said that Avery was a father figure to her.

 

@TatyanaAli

James was my teacher my protector & the most magnificent actor. We're feeling his loss very deeply. He'll always be apart of me #JamesAvery