Actor James Avery, who played the dearly loved but strict Uncle Phil on the legendary 1990s comedy series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," has died from complications from open heart surgery yesterday.

His passing has been confirmed by his publicist. He was only 68 years old.

His former "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's" co-star, Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Uncle Phil's eldest son Carlton Banks, tweeted regarding Avery's sudden passing.

"I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away," wrote Ribeiro via Twitter. "He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly."

Actor Miguel A Nunez Jr also mourned for his former "Sparks" co-star.

"Rest in Peace James Avery. Love You. One of the best actors of our time," tweeted Nunez Jr.

Avery was a skilled thespian and poet. He was raised by a single mother when grew up as a child in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Avery was also a Vietnam War Veteran after serving in the Navy during the war. He made film debut as a dancer in an unlisted part in the 1980 comedy motion picture classic "The Blues Brothers."

"I knew I loved the arts," said Avery in a discussion for the show "Unscripted." "I knew I wanted to be a writer, but the theater was something I had been involved in before."

Avery was also known for parts on TV shows and movies, as well as as the voice of Shredder in the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

However, his most iconic character was as The Honorable Judge Phillip Banks, the uncompromising but devoted uncle to Will Smith's character on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

"Will was ringing in the New Year with his family when an associate told him the news," according to a source. "Working with James was a big part of his life.. in fact, James was something of a father figure to Will."

The source continues, "He's devastated by the death.. James will be sorely missed."

Avery is survived by his wife Barbara.