Will Smith says he has been left shocked and devastated over the sudden death of his The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star James Avery.
Avery died in an L.A. hospital last night, after recently undergoing surgery for an undisclosed illness.
|
Advertisement |
Smith was working in Dubai when he found out the news by phone.
“Will was ringing in the New Year with his family when an associate told him the news,” a source said.
“Working with James was a big part of his life.. in fact, James was something of a father figure to Will.
“He’s devastated by the death.. James will be sorely missed.”
Avery played Will’s uncle, Philip Banks, in the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
James’ character was ranked #34 in TV Guide’s “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time.