James La Rue Avery Bio
James La Rue Avery was an American actor and voice artist who built a distinguished career across television, film, and theater. Born on November 27, 1945, in Pughsville, Virginia, Avery became widely recognized for his powerful bass voice and commanding screen presence. He left a lasting legacy through memorable roles in both live-action productions and animated series before his passing on December 31, 2013, in Glendale, California.
Early Life and Background
James La Rue Avery was born to Florence J. Avery in Pughsville, Virginia, a community that is now part of present-day Suffolk, Virginia. His father was not listed on his birth certificate and denied paternity, leaving Avery to be raised primarily by his mother. During his teenage years, Florence moved her son to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he would complete his secondary education and begin the journey toward his future career.
Avery graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1963, setting the stage for his diverse life experiences. Following his high school education, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. This military service provided him with discipline and life experiences that would later inform his approach to acting and character development.
Path to Acting
After his military service, Avery moved to San Diego, California, where he began exploring creative pursuits including writing poetry and television scripts for PBS. His introduction to formal acting came in 1971 when he landed the role of God in the play J.B. at San Diego Community College. This early theatrical experience sparked his passion for performance and set him on the path toward professional acting.
Avery’s dedication to his craft was recognized when he won an Emmy for production of Ameda Speaks: Poet James Avery. This achievement earned him a scholarship to the University of California, San Diego, where he attended Thurgood Marshall College, then known as Third College. In 1976, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama and literature, providing him with a strong academic foundation for his entertainment career.
James La Rue Avery Career
Early Career (1978-1989)
James La Rue Avery began his professional acting career in the late 1970s, with his first significant roles appearing in the 1980s. He made television appearances on notable series including NBC’s Hill Street Blues, the Showtime sitcom Brothers where he played Bubba Dean, Amen, FM, and L.A. Law. These early roles established his presence in the industry and showcased his versatility across different genres of television programming.
Breakthrough (1990-2013)
The 1990s marked Avery’s rise to prominence, most notably through his role as Philip Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His portrayal of the wealthy, strict yet loving father figure resonated with audiences and critics alike. TV Guide later ranked Philip Banks at number 34 on their list of 50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time, cementing Avery’s place in television history. Following the success of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, he took on the lead role of Alonzo Sparks in the UPN comedy series Sparks, which ran for two seasons.
Avery continued to build an impressive television resume with roles including Dr. Crippen on The Closer from 2005 to 2007, Charles Haysbert on The Division, and appearances as Michael Kelso’s commanding officer at the police academy on That 70s Show. His ability to portray authority figures with depth and humanity made him a sought-after character actor throughout his career. In 1997, he expanded his repertoire by hosting the travel series Going Places on PBS.
Notable Works and Milestones
Beyond his live-action work, Avery achieved significant recognition as a voice artist. He provided the voice of Shredder in the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, bringing one of television’s most memorable villains to life. His voice acting credits also included Br’er Bear in the Walt Disney World version of Splash Mountain and Kinect: Disneyland Adventures, James Rhodes and War Machine in the 1990s Iron Man series, Junkyard Dog in Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, Turbo in Rambo and the Forces of Freedom, and Haroud Hazi Bin in the animated Aladdin series from 1994.
James La Rue Avery Family
In 1988, James La Rue Avery married Barbara Waters, who would later become the dean of student life at Loyola Marymount University. The couple remained married until his death in 2013. While Avery did not have biological children, he embraced the role of stepfather to Barbara’s son, Kevin Waters, becoming a loving and supportive parent figure in his life.
Personal Life
Avery maintained strong connections to his educational roots throughout his life. He returned to his alma mater, the University of California, San Diego’s Thurgood Marshall College, as the commencement speaker in 2007 and again in 2012. These appearances demonstrated his commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists and scholars. He passed away on December 31, 2013, at Glendale Memorial Medical Center following complications from open heart surgery. His ashes were scattered near the Pacific Ocean, and he received heartfelt tributes from numerous cast members of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, including Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, Janet Hubert, and Joseph Marcell. In April 2020, Will Smith reunited with the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air via video conference to honor Avery’s best moments on the show, celebrating his enduring impact on television and popular culture.