James Avery was popularly known for playing Philip “Zeke” Banks on the television series
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Affectionately called “Uncle Phil” by Will Smith, his patriarchal character ranked number 34 in TV Guide's “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time.” While this lawyer turned judge was somewhat strict and grumpy, he also had a softer and caring side, especially when dealing with his family. Throughout the series, he did what was best for all his children, Hilary, Carlton, Ashley, Nicky, and including Will, whom he treated as his own son despite being related to Philip only by marriage. At present, the 58-year-old actor is working on several film projects, which will be released in the coming months.
On November 2, the former Prince of Bel-Air actor will be featured in a comedy movie called
Let the Game Begin. James Avery stars as Mark Hanley, along with Stephen Baldwin and Thomas Ian Nicholas, in a plot about a man who explores the life of a pickup artist in order to search for an honest woman.
Before the year ends, Avery stars in yet another comedy film about love, faith and destiny called
Divine Intervention. The movie follows a hip preacher (
Wesley Jonathan) who becomes a temporary pastor of a small Baptist church. His flashy approach to preaching is immediately well-received by the members of the now growing congregation but is frowned upon by his strict and traditional predecessor Reverend Matthews (Avery). Complications sink in when he falls in love with Reverend Matthews's daughter (Jazsmin Lewis). The film is directed by Van Elder and is currently in post-production stage.
Additionally, Avery has two more movies that are currently in production. He'll be taking on a Chancellor role in the musical comedy called
Steppin: The Movie and will be tapping into the world of science fiction with the movie
Harvest Moon.
Aside from
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, James Avery has also worked in numerous movies and television shows. His most recognizable roles include Walter Carter on
Soul Food, Charles Haysbert on
The Division and Dr. Crippen on
The Closer.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of Yahoo)