Star of Fresh Prince, Voice of Shredder, War Machine and a host of other roles has sadly passed away at 65 on New Years Eve. Avery’s co-star and on screen son, Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton), announced the news on Twitter this morning:
I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.
He also took to his Facebook page to say;
The world has lost a truly special man. I am very saddened to say that James Avery has passed. Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in life. He will be deeply missed.
It was confirmed today that he passed due to complications from open heart surgery. He will be sorely missed.