James Avery

James Avery, a prolific television actor, became widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of patriarch Philip Banks on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, appearing in all 148 episodes across six seasons. Before his breakthrough, Avery built a substantial TV career with guest appearances on numerous series like The Jeffersons, Hill Street Blues, and L.A. Law, showcasing his versatility in various dramatic and comedic roles. Beyond live-action, he lent his distinctive voice to animated television, most notably as the villain Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, and continued to appear in shows such as The Closer and That '70s Show until his passing in 2013.