Will Smith is opening up about the death of James Avery, who played "Uncle Phil" on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.'

"Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery. Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace," Will shared on Facebook along with a cast photo of the last time they were together.

James Avery died Dec. 31, at the age of 68. Sources told TMZ he died in a Glendale, Calif., hospital after undergoing open heart surgery.

"I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly," tweeted Alfonso Ribeiro, who played "Carlton" on 'Fresh Prince.'

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