Who played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

James Avery played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His character's full name was Philip Banks, a successful judge and the uncle who takes Will Smith's character into his wealthy Bel-Air home.

Avery appeared as Philip Banks throughout the sitcom's six-season run from 1990 to 1996. Uncle Phil was initially presented as stern and easily frustrated by Will's jokes and rule-breaking, but the character also became known for his warmth, loyalty, and protective role as a father figure.

The character is sometimes confused with other members of the Banks family. Alfonso Ribeiro played Carlton Banks, while Joseph Marcell played Geoffrey, the family's butler. Avery later appeared in other television projects, but his performance as Uncle Phil remained his signature role.

A notable late-series moment is the emotional reunion between Will and his estranged father, which highlights Uncle Phil's importance in Will's life even when he is not the biological parent.