James Avery of 'Fresh Prince' fame dead at 65

NEW YORK: James Avery, the bulky character actor who laid down the law as the Honorable Philip Banks in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," has died.

Avery’s publicist, Cynthia Snyder, told The Associated Press that Avery died Tuesday in Glendale, California, following complications from open heart surgery. He was 65.

Avery played Will Smith´s uncle on the popular TV series. His movie credits included "Fletch," ´´The Prince of Egypt" and "8 Million Ways to Die." (AP)