James Avery - Uncle Phil best of 

I believe Will Smith once said "Everybody needs an Uncle Phil"

When Uncle Phil starts laughing, shit is about to go down

“How come he don’t want me, man?” How broken Will sounds, and the way James grabs him in that hug. Gets me every time.

Uncle Phil is one of the greatest surrogate fathers ever created in Television history. Not only that, he was portrayed by such an amazing actor.

Who else was speechless when he told uncle phil he wasn't his father

Uncle Phil was an educated BEAST!!! I'm not a black man but I listened to Uncle Phils advice growing up, a great Dad is a great Dad, color doesn't matter.

Y’all can debate all y’all want but Uncle Phil is the best black dad in television history. The best dad in television history in my opinion.

"Who cares what you think? YOU ARE NOT MY FATHER!" The look on Uncle Phil's face when he said that hurt my heart. You could tell that hurt.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be like Will... Now that Im a man, I want to be like Uncle Phil.

“He’s may be your father, but he ain’t your daddy” - Yondu and Uncle Phil

James Avery is in heaven right now throwing bad angels out of heaven like he did to Jazz

"DO I LOOK LIKE A WHITE GUY NAMED WARED!?" That shit killed me 😭😆

You forgot the scene where Uncle Phil tells off the cops who arrested Will and Carlton for stealing a car that wasn't even stolen. "I'm gonna tie this place up with so much litigation that you're GRANDCHILDREN are gonna need lawyers!"

Only a true father would disregard his own feelings and do anything to protect his "son" even after his son off right rejects him and tells him "You are not my father" to his face and still give him a loving embrace in the sight of his severe anger, confusion, suffering, and tears. Even if this tragic emotions came from being naive. Uncle Phil was like a father to all of us growing up in the 90s. This is how you know that this was one of the best shows ever. Because it taught real values, conveyed real messages, it didn't feed us brain candy and keep us occupied, it made us pay attention. At the end of the day, this wasn't even really a TV show, it was an experience that most of us learned from and could relate to. We didn't feel like we were sitting on a couch watching a show, we felt like we were part of the Banks family. That's something you rarely find, if not never, in these days. Everything is so vapid now, nothing has any real substance or core values to it anymore.

Uncle Phil is a good example of how a person can be successful and cultured and still remember where they came from and what it took to get there. He wasn’t ashamed of being well off and reaping the benefits of his hard work, but he also acknowledged that there were others who didn’t have the opportunities that he had or the success he had, and he was willing to help and pay it forward. There are too many people who either think success is a moral failing and think someone who has succeeded has lost their roots, but there are also far too many who are well off and successful and take that as a barometer of how good a person they are and they rest on their laurels. My dad is a lot like uncle Phil and so was his dad. We’re white but they came from hard circumstances and they worked hard to make good for the next generation. My dad became successful but never stopped teaching me how important it was to use what you’ve earned and what was given to you to pay it forward and help others. That’s why I’ve always liked uncle Phil because he always tried to teach his kids the same lessons my dad taught me.

RIP James Avery. You touched all of our hearts and made us laugh with your portrayal of Uncle Phil.

My dad died when I was 9 in the 90's. Uncle Phil sure did pick up some of the slack. RIP big guy.

RIP James Avery (November 27, 1945 - December 31, 2013), aged 68 You will be remembered as a legend.

The look on Phil’s face when Will screams; “you’re not my father!” Without saying a word he gets the message of “that’s not how i look at it. I’ve seen you as my son this whole time and that’ll never stop.” His eyes look so hurt and upset. Not quite angry, but almost angry. Brilliant actor portraying a phenomenal character. I love Uncle Phil.

Uncle Phil is not being mean he's trying to protect Will from getting hurt again

“Skin the color of mahogany, soft as satin” Damn that’s some genuine game right there

I'd say Uncle Phil was more of a father to Will than just an uncle.

“I don’t need a holiday to tell you that I love you. I show you all year.” ~Uncle Phil Couldn’t be any more true then, now and forever

It’s only now that I’m realising the hurt in uncle Phils eyes when Will yells “who cares what you think you are not my father”. Shows just how much he thought of Will as a son 🥺

“Nobody does anything without help. People opened doors for me, and I worked hard to open doors for you. It doesn’t make you any less of a man to walk through them.” ~Uncle Phil

I only feel we lost him just recently, and he died in 2013. He was one of the best tv fathers ever introduced.

"You are not my father!!" The look of pain in uncle phill's face man this show had some great emotional moments

The look on James Avery's face during the "How Come He Don't Want Me" scene speaks a thousand words

This man taught me more about how to be a man, a father and a husband than any man I've ever known. Some people may say "oh it's just a TV show. It's not real" . . . . . the lessons are real. That's what matters. Take them with you

This man (and the writers) made this character so iconic NOBODY could've ever done the role other than him and NOBODY will replace him in that role, referring to this drama reboot they're trying to do. None of the cast can be replaced or outdone in their roles because what this show had was lightening in a bottle. We don't get really great and iconic shows like this anymore.

3:16 "so don't you dare look down your damn nose at me Adebolah!" He said that with such conviction. Superb and strong acting skills from James.

“Nobody does anything without help, Will. People opened doors for me, and I work hard to open doors for you. It doesn’t make you any less of a man to walk through it.” So much flames and wisdom.

James Avery was superb! The hurt expression he emoted when Will yelled at him that he wasn't his father and the love he showed when Will asked why his father didn't want him were 2 of my favorite scenes. Nobody could have done it any better.

I swear every time Uncle Phil starts giving a loooooong laugh, I get scared and start telling Will "Run, dammit! He's gonna blow!"

James Avery was a great actor. he was the voice of shredder on the ninja turtles cartoon back in the day.

25 years later not having James Avery here makes this scene that much more emotionally deep

“You have a nice poster of Malcolm X on your wall, right? I heard the brother speak.”

I’ll say it, recent events aside, James Avery was really “America’s Dad” not Bill Cosby.

Uncle Phil treated Will like his son always addressed him as such. Saved him from trouble and a life of gangs and poverty. GOAT

If every man had the wisdom and convictions of Uncle Phil, the world would be a better place.

First things first Rest in Peace Uncle Phil. For real. Your the only father that I ever knew.

Uncle Phil’s face when he said Sunday. They way he was holding back tears gets me every time. 😢🥺

"I am sorry that everybody cant be as perfect as you, uncle Phil" RIP, James Avery...nobody will be as perfect as him...

Such a versatile actor. My favourite scene in this is when he looks at Vivienne through the mirror, telling her all the little ways in which he loves her. Encouraging her to see herself through his eyes. James Avery put his guts into Uncle Phil: his passion, determination and voice the desire we all have, the desire for equality. I remember him vividly in this show, and as the ever sarcastic villain Shredder in the Ninja Turtles. Even in 2020, it's difficult to believe that he's gone.

Uncle Phil was truly an American original that can never be repeated or duplicated. He was a true father figure to those who starred on that show and those of us fans that tuned in every week to watch him. R.I.P. UNCLE PHIL MISSED AND LOVED BY THE WORLD

He was everybody's Uncle Phil. R.I.P

Uncle Phil worked very hard to be "perfect". He's the best.

Scenes like this are why Uncle Phil was such a fantastic character. Expecting accountability but showing absolute forgiveness and support. Very well done.

James Avery was tremendous on The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and he had some wonderful moments, truly an amazing performer RIP James Avery

"DO I LOOK LIKE A WHITE GUY NAMED WARD??!!" LMAOOOO! *DEAD*

The scene where Will tell Phil, "You're not my father" proves James Avery was a hell of an actor. You can see the hurt in his eyes when Will said it.

When hugged will he told him "that's damn good acting " and yes you can hear Hilary crying off set

That first scene: yeah, um, Will, Uncle Phil IS your father. Maybe not biologically, but in every other way that counts.

That hug Uncle Phil gives Will gets me every single time. RIP James Avery, thanks for the memories

I love how well James portrayed Uncle Phil, especially when he gets very passionate or angry

"You're MY son Will.....Period."

One of the few men that is a PERFECT role model for all young men and boys.

Love the way uncle Phil shouts and disciplines his kids 👏🏽👏🏽

One of the best Father Characters ever

PHILLIP BANKS!!! THIS BIGGEST GOAT TO HAVE EVER LIVED!!! Rest in Heaven James Avery!

The hardest thing is having your kid ask you why their daddy doesn't want them :( My sons' birthfather left my kids and I to be with another woman. It hurt my heart to see my kids hurting and having to listen to them cry for him hurt even more. Now they're 9 and 11. They haven't seen him since they were babies nor has he made an effort to see them, call or send anything for their birthdays. They call my husband their dad because he has been there and took over the responsibility as their dad and he's all my youngest son knows as his dad. Anyone can lay down and have a baby but it takes a real man to raise them.

First scene shows the acting talent from Both Will Smith and James Avery.

I love how Uncle Phil cares deeply about Will but he doesn't show it often because they both drive each other crazy 24/7 every day.

I live in Glendale a few blocks away from the place where he passed away, and a few weeks before, I ran into him giving him a simple hello, and he reciprocated in kind. I didn't even know it was him until his passing a few weeks later. Right now, I wished i could've said to him, "You're the best father figure anyone could ask for." Thanks, Uncle Phil. For my childhood.

Its only been 2 years? It feels longer. RIP James, every 90's kid misses you.

0:40 u can tell uncil phil was choked up and emotional when will said tht it was very painful 😐💔😭

"How come he don't want me man" :'( I think the same about my father.

I always did wish that I had an Uncle like Uncle Phil

My uncle is a lot like Uncle Phil in many ways. We're only ten years apart but he's always been one of the most supportive people in my life. And always proud of me. Love you Uncle Tim!

"Do I look like a white man named Ward?"

0:00 - 1:15 "He may be your father, Will. But he ain't your daddy."

We all needed an Uncle Phil in our lives.

In the UK at tea time it used to be Simpsons, fresh prince then deep space 9. What a time to be alive. Miss you Uncle Phil : )

2:03 this is probably the most sincere and romantic speech I’ve ever heard a character say ❤️

I don't care what anyone says. Uncle Phil was a great father, uncle, and role model. The character is the embodiment of a leader who spawns greatness. RIP James Avery.

"How come he don't want me?" Gets me everytime.

R.I.P UNCLE PHIL

Uncle Phil was one of the greatest characters written, wise, strong and patient and loving . RIP James Avery.

Uncle Phil was a legend

That whole "How come he don't want me" exchange still gives me chills. The fact that you can see James Avery breaking as Will is shouting is just heartbreaking. This was something that hit on a personal level, not just the characters.

*"WHO CARES WHAT YOU THINK?! YOU'RE NOT MY FATHER!"* This scene broke my heart😥😭

Rise in power Mr James Avery, you were a father to a whole group of kids that did not grow up with theirs!!! Salute king!!! ✊✊✊

Must of hurt Uncle Phill really bad, when Will said “you’re not my father.” Uncle Phill might of not been his Father, but he sure was his Daddy.

As someone who grew up without a father and watched this show when it was originally aired, I always dreamed of having Uncle Phil as my dad. I learned more watching him on TV than I could have from anyone else!

Best tv dad ever and an even better man.

it's acting like this that causes actors to get literally so into the moment they'll start reacting as if it's really happening to them. bravo.

James Avery made us all laugh, he made us cry, he made us cringe such a great actor he will be missed! TV is lesser for his absence.

There were only a few times during a show that actually choked me up, the first clip really did that. I'll miss James Avery..

when he said he wasn't his father I cried.

"people open doors for me, I work hard to open doors for you. It doesn't make you any less of a man to walk through them" ... Thank you uncle Phil for these words.... I've often felt imposter syndrome over the course of my achievements and I always try to remember these words whenever I do

2:02 That is how a man talks to his wife!

such an amazing actor.

The argument at the beginning shows how much he cares about Will and how it'll never stop despite him saying he's not his father, but Will realized that Uncle Phil is the real father he needs

Honestly I learned more from uncle Phil than my own father. It's crazy that someone could have the passion that he shows. I'm guessing he actually cared and wasnt acting. Miss you uncle phil

00:47 and after all that, he still treats him like he's his own blood. MAD respect for the big guy❤️

That moment when Will's father walked out hit me hard. My birth father left my mom while she was pregnant with me. He hardly ever reached out to me until recently. My stepdad taught me how to be a good man.

DO I LOOK LIKE A WHITE GUY NAMED WARD?!?!? :D

The first aunt Viv was sooooooooooo much BETTER :-)

I know it wasn't intentional, but there is a nice juxtaposition between Uncle Phil leaving at the end, and Will's father leaving. Both leave, claiming to make plans with Will "soon". The difference is Lou was obviously bullshitting and never wanted to see Will again, not even "in a few weeks". Whereas Uncle Phil is genuinely heartbroken to no longer have Will around, and determined to make sure they still get together even as soon as the following "Sunday". Like everyone always says, Uncle Phil was Will's proper father.

"Nobody does anything without help, Will. People opened doors for me, I worked hard to open doors for you. It doesn't make you any less of a man to walk through them." that hit close to home, because I'm the type that struggles to build the nerve to ask for help. Miss you, Uncle Phil