Upon hearing the new tragic news of the passing of James Avery, L.A-based actor Davon Williams reflects on meeting TV’s uncle Phil for the first time.
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L.A-based actor, Davon Williams, in February of 2013, was called in as a last minute talent for the inaugural taping a new comedy television show called “Go, Bolivia Go,” inspired, he says, “by the Austin Powers movie.”
When he received the news that he would be working alongside the legendary James Avery, the Baltimore native, who studied Theater Arts at UArts in Philadelphia, became overwhelmed with excitement, as he remembered being a freshman and hearing stories from his college peer who once performed with Avery and remarked how friendly, easy to talk to and down-to-earth he was.
“He met every expectation I had of him,” recalls Williams, who left Philly for L.A to foster greater film and stage opportunities for himself. “He was fun person, easy to talk and easy to understand. He wanted to know more about me than I wanted to know about him. I felt like I was working with a peer and not this larger than life iconic figure. As great as he was, he still wanted to learn; he had no problem admitting he didn’t know something.”
Avery , who was best known for his role as the loveable, yet quick tempered Uncle Phil on the 90’s hit comedy “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” passed away Tuesday night from complications of open heart surgery, he was 65.
When Williams first met Avery, he asked him to reveal one truth about his life. The big man replied: “I’m positive that the world would not mourn me, but the death of Uncle Phil and I’m ok with that.”
Williams admits he learned a lot from that statement, particularly, “not being afraid to own something.”
“We were having a conversation about perception and about people trying to box you in. He suggested maybe that’s a good thing. He said if that’s how you see you, own it!”
I asked Williams: “As an actor, how would you feel about the possibility of being remembered solely by your work as not your life?” He replied: “That’s the gift; my work is what I offer.”
To Uncle Phil, thank for opening up your home and for offering to share your gift with the world. May your rest in peace.
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Photo: AP/Eric Charbonneau