Not Uncle Phil: RIP James Avery

First of all, to everyone reading this, I would like to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR from me, Elle Shanice!!!!!

I did not plan to start off my 2014 blog posts on such a somber note, but the man who played a character on one of my favorite shows passed away.

I hoped that it was just another internet hoax but unfortunately James Avery, known as "Uncle Phil" from the iconic show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" died on December 31st from complications after heart surgery. He was 68 years old.

"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" is not only one of the best black shows ever, it's one of the best shows PERIOD in my opinion. Avery's character, Uncle Phil, was one of those central characters that transcended the show. My memories of the show and of his character align with those of my own life and with my own father.

Uncle Phil was a no-nonsence father who provided the best for his family; he was strict but open enough for his family to feel comfortable talking to him. He withstood jokes about his weight from Will & Geoffrey, but I loved how he was a lawyer & his wife was a professor. This continued the trend of positive black families and characters in sitcoms of the 90's.

I've seen the Uncle Phil character listed with other great TV dads such as Cliff Huxtable & Mike Brady. I know that he just portrayed the character but it was still hard to hear that he had passed away, especially when it wasn't announced that he was sick or having surgery.

The same thing happened last year when Lou Myers, who played loveable Mr. Gaines on "A Different World" (another one of my favorite shows) passed away.

Rest in peace Mr. James Avery (1948-2013)...You will be missed!

Watch one of my favorite scenes below from an early episode of Fresh Prince when Uncle Phil gets Will & Carlton out of jail: