The versatile actor played Uncle Phil to Will Smith's Philly newcomer in the beloved show from 1990 to 1996 and worked on a number of TV and film projects up until he fell ill this year. TMZ reported that the actor died in an L.A. hospital last night.
TODAY'S TOP SHOWBUSINESS PICTURE
Kaley Cuoco is no blushing bride as shares first dance with new husband
Actress tore up the dance floor after exchanging vows with Ryan Sweeting in New Year's Eve ceremony.
TV & Showbiz big picture gallery - US home page
Actress tore up the dance floor after exchanging vows with Ryan Sweeting in New Year's Eve ceremony.
ALL THE HOTTEST
- So THAT'S what he's getting up to in rehab! Chris Brown welcomes the New Year by putting on a PDA with Karrueche Tran Wearing party hats
- What she REALLY wanted for Christmas! Sharon Osbourne rings in the New Year with shopping spree in Beverly Hills Treated herself
- Real jealousy in Beverly Hills! Housewives 'green with envy at attention drunken Brandi Glanville is receiving' Green-eyed monsters
- 'Sucks to read b*******!' Olivia Munn slams 'poisonous behaviour' digs as Newsroom creator Aaron Sorkin comes to her defence
- What a tease! The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer reveals deadly new villains and even bigger battle scenes Screened in Times Square on New Years
- She don't wanna wait! Katie Holmes wants to 'make amends' with co-star Michelle Williams in a Dawson's Creek reunion Treat for fans
- Imitation Of Life star Juanita Moore dies aged 99 Groundbreaking actress and Academy Award nominee died at her LA home
- 'A fairytale engagement!' Bones star TJ Thyne proposes to model girlfriend in a candlelit heart at a German castle Even a carriage ride!
- 'Happy New Year!' Pink and Carey Hart snuggle up with daughter Willow in front of the fire in their mountain hideaway High in the mountains of Mammoth, California
- A bit too transparent! Steven Tyler gives fans a revealing look at his physique as he dons a see through shirt while performing alongside other legendary rockers
- George Lucas, 69, dotes on daughter Everest as she is pictured for the first time on family holiday in St Barts On a boat ride
- Party hoppers Beyonce and Jay-Z roar up to Diddy's NYE bash in Miami on scooter after first letting loose at the Versace mansion Living the dream
UNITED STATES SHOWBIZ
- Ryan Phillippe keeps it casual in a white tank top and cargo shorts as he rings in the new year in Miami alongside girlfriend With Paulina
- Isn't that where Juliet is supposed to be? Carrie Diaries Romeo Austin Butler learns his lines on the balcony of his apartment Hard at work
- Iron Man lends helping hand to Braveheart! Robert Downey Jr. wants to get Mel Gibson back on track with a role in an upcoming Avengers film
- What a year! Katy Perry sees out 2013 by performing a private gig at Caesars Palace with boyfriend John Mayer in attendance Treat for super fans
- Survivor stars Rob and Amber Mariano reveal they're expecting fourth child with an ultrasound picture Have been keeping busy
- Hello two-thousand and phwoar-teen! Joanna Krupa slips into sexy cutaway dress to ring in New Year Partied like it was 2014
- 'Things are going to stay as they are:' Amber Portwood's ex rules out shared custody of their daughter due to fears the Teen Mom star could relapse
- What's going on hair? John Travolta's bouffant locks almost outshine wife Kelly Preston's mane as they party with Sultan of Brunei
- Katie Holmes slips her toned figure into bikini top and cut-offs as she sunbathes with daughter Suri in Miami Ex husband Tom Cruise had Suri for Christmas
- Those boots were made for... pumping gas: Dressed down Kristen Stewart goes on pe-trol in unflattering woolly footwear Twilight star was casual
- Ring out the old, rock in the new! Fergie stuns in black sequined one-piece as she joins Slash and wife Perla for their disco-themed New Year's Eve bash
- Rockin' bod! Jennifer Hudson shows off her svelte figure in mini dress and fishnets for performance on Dick Clark NYE show
GOSSIP - DIRECT FROM LA
- Bikini clad Bethenny Frankel puts divorce troubles behind her to enjoy a dip with hunky mystery man at Miami Beach Soaking up the sun
- Jordana Brewster wears sexy frayed skirt for romantic New Year's Eve dinner outing with husband Leaving Craigs in West Hollywood.
- 'Underneath it all, I still got my birthday suit on!' Bundled up Demi Lovato gets flirty during NYE show in chilly Canada Entertaining the masses in Ontario, Canada.
- 'She said yes!' Olivia Palermo engaged to Johannes Huebl after he proposes with huge rock on romantic St Barts holiday
- Real Housewives' Yolanda Foster, 49, gives husband nude photobook of HERSELF for sexy anniversary present He looked delighted
- Kaley Cuoco is no blushing bride as she grooves in long gown and heels during first dance with husband Ryan Sweeting at wedding reception
- Fresh Prince Of Bel Air star James 'Uncle Phil' Avery dies aged 65 from complications following open heart surgery
- 'Happy New Year, love The McDermotts!' Tori Spelling cuddles up to husband Dean for family photograph as they put reports of his infidelity firmly behind them
- Anything Paris can do! Lindsay Lohan gets tips from DJs Diplo and Major Lazer as she toys with following in frenemy Hilton's footsteps
- Karina Smirnoff takes a gamble in racy green dress as she rings in NYE with a game of black jack In Florida for NYE
- So that's her secret! Miley Cyrus is spotted spritzing her tongue with throat spray ahead of performance in Times Square
- Make-up free Julianne Hough shows some barefaced cheek as she kisses gal pal on lunch outing Kept it casual
ALL THE LATEST SHOWBUSINESS
- Mummy and me! A make-up free Petra Stunt demonstrates the art of multi-tasking as she takes baby daughter Lavinia on a hike Adorable little one
- 'Just broody!' Helen Flanagan shows her maternal side after spending the day with a friend's baby Scott Sinclair better had prepare himself
- 'Going berserk': Twitter erupts with fan reaction to long-awaited opener of BBC's new Sherlock Holmes series...and the secret to THAT cliff-hanger
- From Chelsea to Chigwell! MIC's Lucy Watson puts her boy dramas to one side as she joins new TOWIE pal Lauren Pope for a day of pampering
- An artist at work! Rihanna displays her hairdressing skills as she pampers supermodel pal Cara Delevingne ahead of New Year's Eve night out
- Goodbye Mr White! Ronnie Mitchell treats Carl to a Tarantino-style exit... JIM SHELLEY on another 'appy New Year in EastEnders Dramatic scenes
- Princess Beatrice kicks back at the beach with friends as she enjoys New Year holiday in St. Barts with boyfriend Dave Clark Glamorous break
- Holmes saves Watson from being burned alive, stops Parliament from being blown up and reveals how he cheated death. Sort of. Another episode of Sherlock
- A giggly Chloe Green covers up her bikini body in a chic semi-sheer kaftan as she heads on a Barbados beach stroll with Marc Anthony
- The morning after the night before: Naomi Campbell gets 2014 off to a glamorous start as she slips into a fuchsia bikini for a day at sea with friends
- Happy New Year? Maybe not: Frankie Essex and boyfriend John Lyons argue as the world embraces 2014 Seemed to have had a lovers' tiff
WORLD TO BROWSE AT A GLANCE!
- Vicky Pattison shows off her increasingly slim figure in a sheer nude dress at New Year's party with The Valleys' Jenna Jonathan Reminiscent of Britney
- Last workout of 2013! Kate Hudson shows off her slim figure in eye-catching red leggings as she hits the gym on New Year's Eve Washboard stomach
- What's age got to do with it? AnnaLynne McCord, 26, and boyfriend Dominic Purcell, 43, look happier than ever as they take a picturesque stroll
- Shazam Bailey! X Factor winner Sam stuns in black sequined gown to perform at G-A-Y on New Year's Eve Gone from strength-to-strength
- 'Goodbye 2013!' Rochelle Humes wows in a leopard-print dress as she sees in the New Year with husband Marvin in the Maldives Wore strapless number
- All Fired Up for New Year! Frankie Sandford and Wayne Bridge stock up on champagne as they head out shopping with baby Parker Planning boozy night
- 'My year was mostly summer!' Bar Refaeli shares her favourite bikini shots on the beach in montage video Favourite bikini shots on Instagram
-
She's off the WAG-on: Strictly winner Abbey Clancy hits the dance floor in a zesty orange dress as she toasts the new year in Dubai
- Madonna says her New Year's resolution is to 'f***ing own it'... after sharing lewd picture of her penis-shaped bong Posted shot of birthday gift
- Khloe Kardashian opts for red sparkly hat and silly glasses as she welcomes in new year with sister Kylie Jenner Threw on daft accessories
- The Love Factor! Simon Cowell and his pregnant girlfriend Lauren Silverman look the picture of happiness lying on the sand in Barbados
NEWS AND GOSSIP AROUND THE
- That's a scary career move: Former Spice girl Mel B promotes online bingo in Godzilla-style TV advert Hilarious new advert sees star as a giant
- TOWIE's Ferne McCann dazzles as a VERY sexy Ariel... as Billie Faiers channels Tinkerbell in a tiny lime tutu for sister Sam's Disney-themed birthday
- The Ex Factor: Jerry Hall and Bianca Jagger get pally as Sultan of Brunei hosts extravagant NYE party in London Clearly on good terms
- Naomi Campbell dazzles in an ethereal white gown as she rings in 2014 in Kenya with former flame Flavio Briatore and his wife Elisabetta Gregoraci
- Beach bum: Lady Victoria Hervey shows off YET ANOTHER bikini on the beach in Barbados Opted for a skimpy green bandeau
- She has a type! Bikini-clad Demi Moore flaunts her body and her new toyboy boyfriend while on holiday in Mexico Toned body to die for
- Strictly coming home: Susanna Reid enjoys some quality time with partner Dominic Cotton and their three sons as they join her for daily commute
- 'My last pout of 2013': Lauren Goodger flashes cleavage in black lace top as she sees in new year with Frankie Essex TV star went out on New Year's Eve
- They could be sisters: Abbey Clancy parties into 2014 with age-defying mother Karen, 53, during sunshine break in Dubai Looking good
- Making their own Midnight Memories! Niall Horan and Barbara Palvin spend New Year's Eve together suggesting things are hotting up Spotted leaving bash
- She's a doll: Lucy Mecklenburgh gets a professional blowdry, manicure and makeover for New Year's Eve Brightened up for evening out
REVIEWS
MUSIC REVIEWS AND FEATURES
The Killer so scared he fell off the stage! Brandon Flowers on a UK debut that went very wrong
The Killers are marking the tenth anniversary of their debut British gig with their customary swagger, writes ADRIAN THRILLS.
THEATRE
- The elephant in the room is well worth watching: The Elephantom review An unalloyed delight, writes PATRICK MARMION.
- Swearing, sex and scandal... The Sound Of Music it ain't: QUENTIN LETTS first night review of Stephen Ward
- QUENTIN LETTS: Let's hear it for the drunken freeloader! Director Lucy Bailey and the set builders have lavished the production
- Gleeful Fagin steals the show in an Oliver stuffed with cheer When Phil Davis had to drop out they landed Tom Edden instead
- Drawing The Line: Drawing battle lines at the end of the Raj Howard Brenton has done a historical re-creation on last days of British rule in India
- Morning To Midnight: Germany's Basil Fawlty steals the show It starts as a vision of industrial hell and ends like a sinuous production of Cabaret
Today's Showbiz Gallery
TODAY'S POLL
- The morning after the night before: Naomi Campbell gets 2014 off to a glamorous start as she slips into a fuchsia bikini for a day at sea with friends
- Princess Beatrice kicks back at the beach with friends as she enjoys New Year holiday in St. Barts with boyfriend Dave Clark
- She has a type! Bikini-clad Demi Moore flaunts her body and her new toyboy boyfriend while on holiday in Mexico
- That's a scary career move: Former Spice girl Mel B promotes online bingo in Godzilla-style TV advert
- 'Going berserk': Twitter erupts with fan reaction to long-awaited opener of BBC's new Sherlock Holmes series...and the secret to THAT cliff-hanger
- An artist at work! Rihanna displays her hairdressing skills as she pampers supermodel pal Cara Delevingne ahead of New Year's Eve night out
- A giggly Chloe Green covers up her bikini body in a chic semi-sheer kaftan as she heads on a Barbados beach stroll with boyfriend Marc Anthony
- The Ex Factor: Jerry Hall and Bianca Jagger get pally as Sultan of Brunei hosts extravagant NYE party in London
- New year, new start! Rumer Willis reconciles with boyfriend and puts rift with mother Demi Moore behind her on family holiday in Mexico
- Strictly coming home: Susanna Reid enjoys some quality time with partner Dominic Cotton and their three sons as they join her for daily commute
- TOWIE's Ferne McCann dazzles as a VERY sexy Ariel... as Billie Faiers channels Tinkerbell in a tiny lime tutu for sister Sam's Disney-themed birthday
- Mummy and me! A make-up free Petra Stunt demonstrates the art of multi-tasking as she takes baby daughter Lavinia on a hike
- She has a type! Bikini-clad Demi Moore flaunts her body and her new toyboy boyfriend while on holiday in Mexico
- They could be sisters: Abbey Clancy parties into 2014 with age-defying mother Karen, 53, during sunshine break in Dubai
- Fresh Prince Of Bel Air star James 'Uncle Phil' Avery dies aged 65 from complications following open heart surgery
- Princess Beatrice kicks back at the beach with friends as she enjoys New Year holiday in St. Barts with boyfriend Dave Clark
- TOWIE's Ferne McCann dazzles as a VERY sexy Ariel... as Billie Faiers channels Tinkerbell in a tiny lime tutu for sister Sam's Disney-themed birthday
- Happy New Year? Maybe not: Frankie Essex and boyfriend John Lyons argue as the world embraces 2014
- Vicky Pattison shows off her increasingly slim figure in a sheer nude dress at New Year's party with The Valleys' Jenna Jonathan
- The morning after the night before: Naomi Campbell gets 2014 off to a glamorous start as she slips into a fuchsia bikini for a day at sea with friends
- Goodbye Mr White! Ronnie Mitchell treats Carl to a Tarantino-style exit... JIM SHELLEY on another 'appy New Year in EastEnders
- A giggly Chloe Green covers up her bikini body in a chic semi-sheer kaftan as she heads on a Barbados beach stroll with boyfriend Marc Anthony
- 'Too obscene to show?' Ke$ha strips down to see-through mesh top and G-string during grungy dance for Dirty Love video
- Holmes saves Watson from being burned alive, stops Parliament from being blown up and reveals how he cheated death. Sort of. Another dazzling, dizzying episode of Sherlock by Jim Shelley
- MOST READ IN DETAIL
LATEST ALBUM RELEASES
Scroll through for the latest new album releases
BILLIE JOE & NORAH
Foreverly (Reprise)
The presence of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong alongside Norah Jones on this homage to the Everly Brothers is a surprise. Backed by Nashville players, the duo combine well. It’s a touch indulgent at times, but they playfully evoke the spirit of Don and Phil on sad, sweet country ballads and electrified workouts like Long Time Gone.
★★★✩✩
Foreverly (Reprise)
The presence of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong alongside Norah Jones on this homage to the Everly Brothers is a surprise. Backed by Nashville players, the duo combine well. It’s a touch indulgent at times, but they playfully evoke the spirit of Don and Phil on sad, sweet country ballads and electrified workouts like Long Time Gone.
★★★✩✩
NEIL YOUNG
Live At The Cellar Door (Reprise)
Recorded in Washington at the time of Young’s celebrated 1970 album After The Gold Rush, this acoustic set captures performances of rare intimacy. Only Love Can Break Your Heart and a piano-accompanied Birds are highlights, and there is an early version of Old Man, released two years later on Harvest.
★★★★✩
Live At The Cellar Door (Reprise)
Recorded in Washington at the time of Young’s celebrated 1970 album After The Gold Rush, this acoustic set captures performances of rare intimacy. Only Love Can Break Your Heart and a piano-accompanied Birds are highlights, and there is an early version of Old Man, released two years later on Harvest.
★★★★✩
JIMMY WEBB
Still Within The Sound Of My Voice (Entertainment One)
The writer of Wichita Lineman is joined by Carly Simon and Brian Wilson, and a few Brits on this second duets album. Joe Cocker is gruff and soulful on The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress; Kris Kristofferson simply gruff on Honey Come Back. Rumer shines on the title track.
★★★✩✩
Still Within The Sound Of My Voice (Entertainment One)
The writer of Wichita Lineman is joined by Carly Simon and Brian Wilson, and a few Brits on this second duets album. Joe Cocker is gruff and soulful on The Moon’s A Harsh Mistress; Kris Kristofferson simply gruff on Honey Come Back. Rumer shines on the title track.
★★★✩✩
BARBRA STREISAND
Back To Brooklyn (Columbia CD & DVD)
A love letter to the people and places that shaped her, this lengthy live album sees Streisand return in triumph to her hometown. Signature hits People, The Way We Were and Evergreen are all here, with elegant trumpeter Chris Botti and a lavish orchestra adding colour aplenty. Barbra, 71, re-writes Cole Porter’s You’re The Top to namecheck fellow local Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team. You can take the girl out of Brooklyn...
****
Back To Brooklyn (Columbia CD & DVD)
A love letter to the people and places that shaped her, this lengthy live album sees Streisand return in triumph to her hometown. Signature hits People, The Way We Were and Evergreen are all here, with elegant trumpeter Chris Botti and a lavish orchestra adding colour aplenty. Barbra, 71, re-writes Cole Porter’s You’re The Top to namecheck fellow local Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team. You can take the girl out of Brooklyn...
****
REBECCA FERGUSON
Freedom (RCA)
With new releases from Leona Lewis, JLS and Olly Murs, X Factor alumni are swamping the seasonal schedules. But former legal secretary Ferguson (runner-up in 2010) continues to stand out, forsaking the usual warbling for a more distinctive approach. Her touchstones — Aretha, Adele and Nina Simone — are still evident. I Hope leans on the rhythmic thump of Adele’s Rolling In The Deep, while John Legend adds class to ballad Bridges.
***
Freedom (RCA)
With new releases from Leona Lewis, JLS and Olly Murs, X Factor alumni are swamping the seasonal schedules. But former legal secretary Ferguson (runner-up in 2010) continues to stand out, forsaking the usual warbling for a more distinctive approach. Her touchstones — Aretha, Adele and Nina Simone — are still evident. I Hope leans on the rhythmic thump of Adele’s Rolling In The Deep, while John Legend adds class to ballad Bridges.
***
BRITISH SEA POWER
From The Sea To The Land Beyond (Rough Trade)
Brighton indie-rockers BSP have established a loyal cult-following over the past decade by jumping from swaggering guitars to moodier, cinematic styles. This soundtrack to a BBC film on the British coastline finds them in the latter mode. It lacks their usual power, but adds subtlety, plus hints of Pink Floyd, on evocative, primarily instrumental pieces punctuated by the sounds of lapping waves.
***
From The Sea To The Land Beyond (Rough Trade)
Brighton indie-rockers BSP have established a loyal cult-following over the past decade by jumping from swaggering guitars to moodier, cinematic styles. This soundtrack to a BBC film on the British coastline finds them in the latter mode. It lacks their usual power, but adds subtlety, plus hints of Pink Floyd, on evocative, primarily instrumental pieces punctuated by the sounds of lapping waves.
***
DVORAK
Cello Concertos (Hyperion CDA67917)
This is the first time our foremost cellist Steven Isserlis has recorded Dvorak’s B minor Concerto. Having heard him play it in concert, I can attest that the CD represents his heartfelt interpretation very well, and the Italian-made recording has plenty of presence.
****
Cello Concertos (Hyperion CDA67917)
This is the first time our foremost cellist Steven Isserlis has recorded Dvorak’s B minor Concerto. Having heard him play it in concert, I can attest that the CD represents his heartfelt interpretation very well, and the Italian-made recording has plenty of presence.
****
LITTLE MIX
Salute (Syco))
'If you think we’re just pretty things, you couldn't be more wrong,' brag Tulisa's 'little muffins’ on their second album. Leaning on the know-how of girl-band veterans Nicola Roberts (Girls Aloud) and Shaznay Lewis (All Saints), the X Factor graduates are maturing rather nicely. The title track could do with a stronger tune, but the jittery pop of Nothing Feels Like You is infectious.
★★★✩✩
Salute (Syco))
'If you think we’re just pretty things, you couldn't be more wrong,' brag Tulisa's 'little muffins’ on their second album. Leaning on the know-how of girl-band veterans Nicola Roberts (Girls Aloud) and Shaznay Lewis (All Saints), the X Factor graduates are maturing rather nicely. The title track could do with a stronger tune, but the jittery pop of Nothing Feels Like You is infectious.
★★★✩✩