Will Smith Finally Opens Up About The Death Of Co-Star James Avery

Will Smith has finally addressed the death of his 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air' co-star James Avery.

The 45 year-old, who was the lead and played the nephew of James Avery's character 'Uncle Phil', took to Facebook to pay tribute to the late actor.

"Some of my greatest lessons in acting, living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery," Smith posted along with a fairly recent photo of the main cast from the 90s sitcom.

"Every young man needs an Uncle Phil," he added, "Rest in Peace."

The 'Men In Black' actor also noted that, "this photo was the last time we were together."

The charming snapshot shows 'Fresh Prince' co-stars Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks), Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks), Alfonso Ribeiro (Carleton Banks) standing next to Will and James who are lovingly embracing each other.

Every person on the photo looks delighted to be reunited with one another.

Avery died at the age of 68 due to complications during open heart surgery in a Glenville, CA hospital on New Year's Eve (2013).

Tatyana, who played 'Uncle Phil's' daughter, also took to social media to express the deepest admiration for him, she tweeted;

James was my teacher my protector & the most magnificent actor. We're feeling his loss very deeply. He'll always be apart of me rel="nofollow" #JamesAvery

— Tatyana Ali (@TatyanaAli) rel="nofollow" January 1, 2014

Alfonso, who made the 'Carleton dance' a phenomenon, posted on his Facebook page, "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."

Avery was born and raised in New Jersey before making his way to the West Coast to try and make it in Hollywood, although he as best known for his stint on 'Fresh Prince', the late actor also appeared in 'That 70s Show', 'The Closer' and also voiced characters for the cartoon show 'Teenage Mutant Ninija Turtles'.

He will be sorely missed by all who loved him, R.I.P James Avery.