James Avery was married to Barbara Waters from 1988 until his death in 2013. While millions around the world knew him best as the imposing yet deeply affectionate Philip Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, his real-life marriage was a grounded, private partnership spanning twenty-five years. He didn't have biological children, but he embraced his role as a stepfather to Barbara's son, Kevin Waters.
Understanding his marriage provides a clear window into the man behind one of television's most iconic paternal figures. Beyond the soundstages of Hollywood, Avery lived a life rooted in poetry, naval service, and a steady domestic routine that contrasted sharply with the chaotic studio environment of a hit sitcom.
Early Life and Roots Before Fame
Long before he walked onto a television set or married Barbara, James La Rue Avery built a diverse foundation. Born in Pughsville, Virginia, in 1945, he grew up primarily in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he graduated from high school in 1963.
Before pursuing the arts, Avery served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. Following his military service, he relocated to San Diego, California. There, he immersed himself in writing poetry and television scripts for public television, winning an early Emmy for local production work. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama and literature from the University of California, San Diego.
This academic and artistic foundation shaped his distinctive, resonant voice and commanding stage presence. When he met Barbara in the 1980s, he was already carving out a versatile career as a working actor, taking guest roles in television dramas and lending his rich bass voice to animation and commercial projects.
Meeting Barbara Waters and Building a Life Together
James and Barbara married in 1988, just two years before he landed the role that would define his television career. Barbara worked in higher education administration, eventually serving as the Dean of Student Life at Loyola Marymount University.
Their relationship thrived away from the typical tabloid spotlight. While many Hollywood marriages face intense public scrutiny, the couple maintained a quiet, stable household in Los Angeles. Barbara offered a steady anchor while Avery balanced demanding shooting schedules, voiceover work, and stage performances.
Though they shared no biological children together, Avery stepped fully into fatherhood as a stepfather to Kevin Waters, Barbara's son from a previous relationship. Colleagues and friends frequently noted that Avery's natural warmth, protective instincts, and quiet authority as a stepfather deeply informed his portrayal of Uncle Phil on television.
The Iconic Role of Philip Banks
In 1990, Avery stepped into the role of Philip Banks, the wealthy, no-nonsense judge and patriarch on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The character required a delicate balance of stern discipline and profound paternal love. Avery brought his classical training and personal dignity to the part, elevating what could have been a standard sitcom caricature into a masterclass in television fatherhood.
Working on the show came with intense pressures, yet Avery remained a stabilizing professional force on set. Younger cast members, including Will Smith and Alfonso Ribeiro, often spoke of him as a mentor who demanded excellence both on and off camera. His real-life marriage provided the emotional stability required to navigate the highs and lows of a major television hit that ran for six seasons.
Beyond the Sitcom: Voice Acting and Later Years
When The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wrapped in 1996, Avery didn't slow down. He maintained a prolific career across television, film, and voice acting. Animation fans instantly recognized his booming voice as Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, as well as James Rhodes in the 1990s Iron Man animated series.
He continued taking guest roles in television series such as The Closer, The Division, and That '70s Show. Throughout these busy decades of touring, recording, and filming, Barbara remained his primary partner. They shared a quiet life centered around literature, the arts, and their close circle of family and friends.
Passing and Legacy
Avery passed away on December 31, 2013, at the age of 68 at Glendale Memorial Medical Center following complications from open-heart surgery. Tributes poured in from former cast members and fans worldwide, remembering him not just as a talented actor, but as a warm, intellectual mentor who treated everyone with respect.
In accordance with his wishes, his remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered near the Pacific Ocean. Barbara survived him, preserving the memory of a private, devoted partnership that spanned a quarter-century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did James Avery have any biological children?
No, James Avery did not have any biological children. However, he was a dedicated stepfather to Kevin Waters, the son of his wife Barbara.
How long were James Avery and Barbara married?
James and Barbara were married for twenty-five years, from their wedding in 1988 until his passing in December 2013.
What was Barbara Avery's profession?
Barbara worked in higher education administration and served as the Dean of Student Life at Loyola Marymount University in California.
What caused James Avery's death?
Avery passed away due to complications arising from open-heart surgery at the end of December 2013.
