Over many TV years (and some before my time, therefore in reruns) black TV dads and moms have beautifully impacted black family life by teaching black children life lessons and represented how we raise our children. Unfortunately, some of our favorite TV parents passed away over the years and their losses felt as real as our own mothers, fathers and other guardian figures. This list is a celebration for the black TV parents who we’ve lost, but are never forgotten.
Uncle Phil (James Avery)
James Avery’s, best known as Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, passing came as shock to many of us. He wasn’t just Will Smith’s Uncle Phil, but he was everyone’s Uncle Phil, and like Smith said, all young men need an Uncle Phil. Uncle Phil was tough, loving, smart, strong and disciplined his three children and nephew. He’s definitely one of the most authentic, relatable TV fathers of all time. Rest in peace, James Avery.
