“Fresh Prince” Uncle Phil has died at age 68

James Avery, who played the role of Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” has died at the age of 68.

Sources close to the actor say he died in a hospital in Glendale, California. Complications from open heart surgery ultimately led to his passing.

We are told that his wife, Barbara, had been at his bedside but left briefly, only to return to find out the bad news.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who played his son, Carlton Banks on the show, took to twitter as he left the following tweet:

“I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.”

Avery reunited with some of his costars two years ago at a charity event that included Will Smith.

Avery is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara, his stepson, Kevin Waters, and his mother, Florence.

At the time of this writing, a memorial is being planned for Avery.