James L. Avery: Cause of Death and Biography
For millions of 90s kids, James L. Avery wasn’t just an actor—he was the stern but loving Uncle Phil who ruled the Banks household on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and when news broke that he had died at 68 from complications after open-heart surgery, fans mourned not just a performer but a father figure they’d grown up with.
Born: November 27, 1945 ·
Died: December 31, 2013 ·
Age at Death: 68 ·
Known For: Philip Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ·
Net Worth (Estimated): $1.5 million ·
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Quick snapshot
- Died at 68 from complications of open-heart surgery (ABC News)
- Born November 27, 1945 in Atlantic City, NJ (Wikipedia)
- Married to Barbara Avery from 1988 until his death (ABC7 Chicago)
- Exact net worth is an estimate; no public tax records
- Specific religious denomination not publicly confirmed (raised Christian)
- Details about his stepchildren’s lives remain private
- December 31, 2013: Died from complications after open-heart surgery in Glendale, California (ABC7 Chicago)
- January 2014: Funeral held; ashes scattered at sea (ABC7 Chicago)
- His final film Wish I Was Here (directed by Zach Braff) released posthumously in 2014
- Fans and co-stars continue to honor his legacy through tributes and social media
Nine key facts, one pattern: James L. Avery’s life was marked by steady dedication—to his craft, his family, and his principles.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James La Rue Avery |
| Birthplace | Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA |
| Date of Birth | November 27, 1945 |
| Date of Death | December 31, 2013 |
| Cause of Death | Complications from open-heart surgery |
| Spouse | Barbara Avery (m. 1988–2013) |
| Children | Two stepchildren |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $1.5 million |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
What did James Avery pass away from?
James L. Avery died on December 31, 2013 in Glendale, California from complications following open-heart surgery. The surgery was related to a previously undisclosed heart condition. His publicist confirmed the death, and the Associated Press later published an obituary detailing the cause.
Avery’s choice to keep his heart condition private meant that his death came as a shock to fans, underscoring how little we often know about the health of our most beloved performers.
How old was James L. Avery when he died?
- He was 68 years old. Born November 27, 1945, he died just over a month after his 68th birthday (ABC7 Chicago).
What were the complications from open-heart surgery?
- Specific complications were not publicly detailed by the family. Multiple news outlets reported only “complications from open-heart surgery” as the cause (ABC7 Chicago).
The implication: The lack of detail leaves room for speculation, but the consistent phrasing across credible sources confirms the core medical reality.
What is James L. Avery known for?
James L. Avery is best known for his role as Philip Banks, the no-nonsense father figure on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which aired from 1990 to 1996. But his career stretched far beyond that iconic character.
What other roles did James L. Avery play?
- Guest roles on Amen, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Closer (ABC7 Chicago).
- Film credits include Fletch, Nightflyers, 8 Million Ways to Die, and The Brady Bunch Movie (AL.com obituary/AP).
- Voice work as Shredder in the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series (ABC7 Chicago).
Did James L. Avery have a background in poetry or writing?
- Avery was a classically trained actor and poet. He studied drama and literature at the University of California, San Diego, and often wrote poetry as a personal outlet (ABC7 Chicago).
The pattern: Behind the booming voice and legal robes of Uncle Phil was a man who took his craft seriously, building a resume that spanned television, film, and poetry.
Did James L Avery have any children?
James L. Avery had two stepchildren—a son, Kevin Waters, and a daughter—from his marriage to Barbara Avery. He did not have biological children of his own.
Who was James L. Avery’s spouse?
- He married Barbara Avery in 1988, and they remained together until his death in 2013. Barbara survived him along with his mother Florence and stepson Kevin Waters (ABC7 Chicago).
Why this matters: Avery’s family life was kept intentionally low-key, a contrast to the high-profile world of Hollywood. The stepchildren chose to stay out of the spotlight, reflecting the actor’s own preference for privacy.
What was James Avery’s net worth when he died?
Estimates place James L. Avery’s net worth at around $1.5 million at the time of his death. No public tax records exist, so this figure is an approximation based on his decades of steady television work.
What was James L. Avery’s height?
- He stood 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) tall, a stature that lent authority to his on-screen presence.
What religion was James L. Avery?
- Avery was raised Christian, but further details about his specific denomination or level of practice have not been publicly confirmed.
The trade-off: While fans want to know every personal detail, Avery’s family and representatives chose to share only what was necessary. The $1.5 million figure gives a general sense of his financial standing but shouldn’t be taken as a precise ledger.
Why did they replace Aunt Viv?
One of the most frequently asked questions among Fresh Prince fans is why the character of Aunt Vivian was recast after three seasons.
Was James L. Avery involved in the casting change?
- The original Aunt Viv, Janet Hubert, left the show in 1993 after creative differences and contract disputes. She was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid (Wikipedia). James L. Avery remained neutral throughout the transition and maintained good working relationships with both actresses.
The catch: While Hubert has spoken openly about tensions with Will Smith, Avery stayed above the fray—showing his professionalism and ability to navigate behind-the-scenes drama.
Timeline
- November 27, 1945 – James La Rue Avery born in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
- 1960s–1970s – Served in the US Navy as a disc jockey.
- 1980s – Began acting career with TV guest roles and stage work.
- 1990–1996 – Played Philip Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
- December 31, 2013 – Died from complications after open-heart surgery.
- January 2014 – Funeral held; ashes scattered at sea.
The timeline shows a life of service and dedication, culminating in a sudden end that shocked fans.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Cause of death: complications from open-heart surgery (confirmed by family and media) (ABC News)
- Born November 27, 1945 in Atlantic City
- Married to Barbara Avery from 1988 until his death
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth is estimated; no public tax records
- Specific religious denomination not publicly confirmed; he was raised Christian
- Details about his stepchildren’s lives are private
These distinctions help readers separate verified information from speculation.
Tributes from co-stars
“He was a great man, a great actor, and a great father figure to me.”
— Will Smith, co-star on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (via social media tribute)
“James completed filming a role in my movie just weeks before he passed. He was a joy to work with—warm, professional, and fully committed.”
— Zach Braff, director of Wish I Was Here (ABC7 Chicago)
The tributes reflect the respect Avery commanded among his peers.
For fans who grew up watching him lay down the law as Uncle Phil, James L. Avery’s death felt like losing a family member—a feeling magnified by the suddenness of the news. The takeaway for anyone revisiting his legacy is clear: his work as an actor, his poetry, and his quiet dignity off-screen are what endure. James L. Avery’s legacy as Uncle Phil and his quiet dignity off-screen ensure that he is remembered not just for his death, but for the life he lived.
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Frequently asked questions
What was James L. Avery’s real name?
His full name was James La Rue Avery.
Where was James L. Avery born?
He was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.
Did James L. Avery serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the US Navy during the 1960s and 1970s, working as a disc jockey.
What other TV shows did James L. Avery appear in?
He had guest roles on Amen, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy, The Closer, and many others.
Was James L. Avery married?
Yes, he was married to Barbara Avery from 1988 until his death in 2013.
Did James L. Avery win any awards for acting?
He did not win major acting awards, but his portrayal of Philip Banks is widely regarded as one of television’s most beloved father figures.
These answers address common curiosities about Avery’s life.
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