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The top of the year forced the TV world to say goodbye to one of its beloved figures when James Avery, star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, passed away at the age of 65.

Now the popular show’s star is breaking his silence to eulogize his television “Uncle Phil.”

Will Smith went on his official Facebook page to remember Avery in a brief but very powerful statement.

“Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery,” the Hollywood superstar stated. “Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace.”

The show’s premise was based on Smith playing a fictional version of himself as a troublemaker from Philadelphia sent to California to live with his rich aunt and uncle. The chemistry displayed between a non-related uncle and nephew became a thing of fan legend as the show still manages to find its way into syndication on cable TV.

Smith also posted the “last photo” he and Avery were together. The picture also included Fresh Prince cast members, Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons-Rockwell and Alfonso Ribeiro.

Check the next page for the aforementioned picture for your own personal record-keeping.

Photo: Facebook