James Avery, the bulky character actor who laid down the law as the Honorable Philip Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died at the age of 65.

Avery’s publicist, Cynthia Snyder, told The Associated Press that Avery died on Tuesday.

She did not immediately know the cause of death or where he died.

Avery played Will Smith’s uncle on the popular TV series.

His movie credits included Fletch, The Prince of Egypt and 8 Million Ways to Die.

I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/UrW0EeBFbO

— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) January 1, 2014