Uncle Phil dead: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's James Avery dies aged 65

James Avery, the actor who played Uncle Phil in the hit series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," has died at the age of 65.

Avery's death was announced today, and his former co-star Alfonso Ribeiro tweeted: "I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly." Ribeiro had played the character of Uncle Phil's son in the 1990's series.

Avery passed away last night at a hospital in Los Angeles. According to TMZ, he had reportedly undergone heart surgery but passed away after suffering complications.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran from 1990 to 1996. The show starred Will Smith, who moved into a wealthy Bel-Air mansion to live with his uncle.

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