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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast is getting emotional about their late co-star James Avery, who played Uncle Phil Banks on the beloved sitcom. In a new episode of Will Smith’s Snapchat show Will From Home, the reunited cast paid homage to Avery with an emotional recap of his character’s best moments. “I loved that man,” said Daphne Maxwell Reid, Avery’s on-air wife.
In Part 2 of the virtual Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special, Smith led co-stars Alfonso Ribiero (Carlton Banks), DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeff), Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks), Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), and Reid (Aunt Vivian for Seasons 3-6) in a moving tribute to Avery, who passed away on New Year’s Eve 2013 from complications following open-heart surgery. He was just 68 years old.
Smith teased a special highlight reel of Avery’s six seasons on the sitcom, explaining that this is among “the first couple times that [he’s] seen clips of James” since his death. The stars could be seen reacting to the footage in real time as they relived Phil’s inspirational speeches, big bear hugs, and iconic one-liners, and a few even teared up as they reflected on their time with Avery.
“James Avery. James Avery,” said Smith, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “As James would say: solid,” added Marcell, offering a thumbs up. “Solid,” agreed Smith with a laugh.
The Fresh Prince reunion ended with a rumination on the group’s time together. “30 years, I’m so proud of you,” Reid told Smith. “Thank you, thank you,” replied the movie star. “You guys are my second family. I’ve been shaped by my interactions and relationships. When I look back the best times in my life will have been on that set.”
But of course, Smith had one more trick up his sleeve. The Fresh Prince star ended with a fun montage of DJ Jazzy Jeff getting thrown out of the house — while wearing the exact same shirt that he had on for their Zoom call. Hey, if there was ever a time to bring back your ’90s looks, it’s now.
Watch Will Smith’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion on his Snapchat show, Will From Home.
