While there were many happy moments surrounding the holidays for many celebs, one star sadly passed away on the eve of the new year.

James Avery, who was best known for his role as Will Smith's onscreen uncle in the TV series Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, died at the age of 65 in a Los Angeles hospital Tuesday evening. Avery - whose wife Barbara was at his side at the time of his death - had recently undergone surgery for an undisclosed illness.

"I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly," tweeted Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Avery's son in the 90's sitcom.

Avery went on to make appearances on The Jamie Foxx Show, The Division, That '70s Show, The Closer and Grey's Anatomy.

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