Classic 90s TV Episode of the Week: In Memoriam of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Uncle Phil, James Avery's Death

James Avery, known to most as Philip Banks aka Uncle Phil on the 90s sitcoms The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, passed away yesterday at the age of 68 due to complications from open-heart surgery. Co-stars, fellow actors and fans have poured out their feelings and support for the man who will forever be remembered as Will Smith's large-and-in-charge uncle, so I only felt it appropriate to do the same.

So this week's "Classic 90s TV Episode of the Week" won't be about an episode at all, but about a man. A man who made an entire generation laugh and cry just by appearing on screen, and a man who we all wished was our uncle, too.

There's no shortage of places to start reliving Avery's work as Judge Philip Banks. We could start with his presence, which figuratively and literally loomed large over the rest of his on-screen family members. We could start with his physique or his baldness, both of which were often the target of jokes from Will and Geoffrey the Butler. We could start with the way he yelled, or laughed, or cried along with his nephew and son when he needed to do so.

We could reminisce about the time he called Will a "big-eared freeloader," or fantasized about those "tiny onions" on Thanksgiving or hustled an entire pool hall while eating a sandwich as "Soul Man" played in the background.

Personally, I'll probably remember it all, from the jokes at his expense to the hundreds of times he imparted wisdom onto Will and Carlton to the final episode in which he tearfully bid goodbye to his home and his family.

R.I.P., James Avery. You'll be missed.