Although James Avery had a diverse career that included everything from voicing Shredder on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to guest starring on Grey’s Anatomy, we know we’ll have a hard time thinking of him as anything other than our beloved Uncle Phil. And so, with the actor’s passing last week, we pay tribute to the man who played such a pivotal role in our TV childhood with 13 of our favourite unforgettable Uncle Phil moments.
I Know Where I’m From
From the beginning, Uncle Phil knew who he was and what he was about. Don’t be fooled by the Bel-Air address, this man was well aware of where he came from.
Your Grandchildren Are Gonna Need Lawyers!
Who doesn’t love an over-the-top father/uncle putting dimwitted cops in their place? Especially when he knows exactly what he’s saying. Hank Azaria cameo earns bonus points too.
Fat Jokes
If you’re gonna’ comment on a man’s weight, you better bring your full wit.
Do I Look Like A White Guy Named Ward?
This ain’t Leave it to Beaver, this is Uncle Phil’s Bel-Air. And when he asks you what you think he should do, you should probably just keep your mouth shut.
Get Outta Food Jail Free Card
You try keeping Uncle Phil in jail at Thanksgiving. By the time he’s through with you, you’ll only be able to eat your ‘little tiny onions’ through a straw.
Yo Mamma!
How often did we watch Fresh Prince wishing that just once Uncle Phil would choose to toss a mean right hook instead of more legal threats? Well, here it is in all its glory.
I’m Having a Baby!
Classic 90s sitcom. Stuck in an elevator and Will and Uncle Phil talk to each other as if no one else in the elevator can hear them. Also, can you imagine being anywhere with five people and only one of them has a cellphone? How quaint.
They’ll Never Find Your Bodies
How to use your profession as leverage while threatening your family 101.
How Come He Don’t Want Me, Man
Okay, this is clearly Will’s scene. But it’s one of the best in the entire show and Uncle Phil is right there for him. And you try telling us that when he knocks the hat from Will’s head at the end that it’s not coming from a place of genuine emotion! Sorry, this scene just gets us every time.
If I Want Your Opinion I’ll Beat It Out Of You
Uncle Phil pops a pool toy with his finger. That is all.
Break out Lucille!
Don’t try to hustle a hustler. When you name your pool cue, you know you mean business. Bonus points for eating pizza while shooting stick.
Thrown Out
Here’s about 10 minutes of Uncle Phil tossing different people out of different doorways. You’re welcome.
I Know You Want To Leave Me
We leave you with this: 30 seconds of Uncle Phil (and we hope James Avery) at his absolute happiest. We refuse to let you go, too, Uncle Phil. R.I.P.
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