James Avery, the renowned actor and scholar, was affectionately known as the uncle/patriarch and judge "Philip Banks" on the beloved television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which aired from 1990.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA, Avery pursued a unique path after graduating from high school by joining the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, an experience that undoubtedly shaped his perspective.
Following his military service, Avery relocated to San Diego, California, where he began to hone his creative skills by writing TV scripts and poetry for PBS. His exceptional talent earned him an Emmy award for production during his tenure at the esteemed network.
This remarkable achievement secured him a prestigious scholarship to the University of California at San Diego, which he leveraged to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama and Literature. Notably, his wife Barbara serves as the Dean of Student Life at California's Loyola Marymount University.
Beyond his iconic role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Avery lent his voice to an impressive array of over a dozen animated television series and features, showcasing his impressive vocal range.
Moreover, he served as the primary host of the popular PBS travel and adventure series Going Places, which aired in 1997.
Throughout his illustrious career, Avery's diverse resume of credits solidified his status as a unique creative force, effortlessly transitioning between comedic roles and Shakespearean characters with ease.
