Who played the role of Uncle Phil?

James Avery played Philip Banks, better known as Uncle Phil, in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Avery portrayed the character throughout the original sitcom’s six-season run from 1990 to 1996.

Uncle Phil is Will’s wealthy, stern, and ultimately loving uncle. A successful lawyer who later becomes a judge, Philip provides the authority and stability of the Banks household while also serving as the main counterweight to Will’s impulsive personality. Avery’s performance balanced the character’s imposing presence with warmth and comic timing.

Avery was one of the show’s central cast members and appeared in all 148 episodes. He was also known for voicing Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series and for work on L.A. Law. Viewers may confuse the original role with the 2022 dramatic reboot, Bel-Air, in which Philip Banks is played by Adrian Holmes; that is a different production.