TMZ has confirmed that James Avery the actor most known for playing Uncle Phil on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air has passed away.

Sources close to the actor tell TMZ he died in an Glendale, CA hospital last night. Avery had undergone open heart surgery and took a turn for the worse late yesterday.

And we’re told … his wife, Barbara, had been at his bedside but left for a short period of time and when she came back … she learned he had just died.

One of the most powerful scenes James will be remembered for is this one with Will Smith.