Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air star James ‘Uncle Phil’ Avery dies
James Avery, the much loved patriarch in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died aged 68.
The versatile actor played Uncle Phil to Will Smith’s Philly newcomer in the popular 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 suddenly in a Los Angeles hospital on New Year’s Eve from complications following open heart surgery.
Avery, who also suffered from diabetes, had recently undergone surgery for an undisclosed illness and took a turn for the worse late on Tuesday.
They added that his wife of 15 years, Barbara, had briefly left his bedside to get food when he passed away.
His mother Florence Avery told the New York Daily News: “It breaks my heart. My child was a great person who helped anyone he could. He was really just a nice person whose great passion in life was reading.”
Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Avery’s on-screen son Carlton on the show, tweeted: “I’m deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly.”
Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of the show’s leading man, Will, wrote on Facebook: “Happy New Year everyone! I was hoping to start the new year differently but we have lost yet another friend. James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince has passed.
“Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him. Rest in peace James.”
— Daily Mail
New Year’s Eve at Riri’s
She once sang about being a “Good Girl Gone Bad” but it seems Rihanna’s taken a new path into domesticity, as she hosted a New Year’s Eve dinner for nearly 20 of her friends.
The 25-year-old star took to the kitchen, despite wearing a smart white suit, to help out with the cooking for her intimate dinner party before heading out to Jay-Z’s 40/40 club to see in the New Year in style.
But the dinner party wasn’t held just anywhere. Rihanna invited friends, including Cara Delevingne, to dine with her at her new $14.6million New York City penthouse.
Rihanna celebrated New Year and christened her new home with the celebratory dinner hosting Cara Delevingne and her team, including hairdresser Yusuf, best friend Melissa Forde, and assistant Jennifer Rosales in the penthouse apartment.
And it seems Rihanna was keen to display her domestic side as she was pictured helping her chef Debbie Solomon to plate up the starters.
Riri was seen sprinkling cheese over each diner’s meal and plating up the first course with a fork.
Being careful to protect her outfit, the star whipped off her white dinner jacket and got down to it wearing a black, cropped bra top flaunting her fabulous toned midriff.
— Daily Mail
Miley Cyrus and Ryan Seacrest share a New Year’s smooch
He seems to have a way with the ladies.
So perhaps it should come as no surprise that Miley Cyrus thanked Ryan Seacrest for giving her a New Year’s kiss in New York.
The dashing disc jockey seems to have made the saucy popstrel’s year, if her comments about his prowess are anything to go by.
The singer seemed to have been accosted by the macho reality television mogul as they chatted after her performance at the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square.
And afterwards the excited Wrecking Ball favourite tweeted: “Yay!!!! They caught our NY midnight kiss!
“Happy New Years @RyanSeacrest & thank you for having me.”
Miley, 21, looked in fine form indeed in a fur coat and golden stage costume, while the 38-year-old media personality was his usual dashing self in a black woollen jacket, trousers and shiny leather shoes.
— Daily Mail
