Janet Hubert Issues Statement on James Avery

Janet Hubert, best known for playing Vivian Banks on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air says the late James Avery was one of the best actors she’s ever worked with.

The actress issued a statement to The Grio about Avery, who died on Tuesday due to complications from open heart surgery.

“Acting with James was like a great doubles match,” said Hubert. “…He was like a big strong boulder, that could either crush you or shield you. He was first and foremost an actor, classically trained, climbed that ladder step by step, role by role, to become one of the most powerful TV dads that have ever been created. My heart goes out to Barbara his real wife and family and I ask that you respect her place, as his real wife with regards to her husband with request for statements from me who simply but proudly played his TV wife Vivian Banks. RIP James, all the world is a stage, and we are merely players in this production called LIFE.”

Just after news broke, Avery’s Fresh Prince co-star Alfonso Riberio who played Carlton Banks, called Avery “a wonderful father figure.” Avery’s TV daughter Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks, tweeted some heartfelt words about friendship from a Nikki Giovanni poem.

Funeral services have not been announced.