What was James Avery’s net worth?
James Avery, an American actor, had a net worth of $3 million at the time of his death on December 31, 2013. He died at the age of 68 from complications related to open heart surgery at a hospital in Glendale, California. Avery was best known for his role as Judge Philip Banks on the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which aired from 1990 to 1996 and starred Will Smith. In addition to his work on “Fresh Prince,” Avery appeared in numerous movies and television shows throughout his three-decade career. He also provided the voice of Shredder on the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” cartoon series.
Early Life and Career
James Avery was born on November 27, 1945 in Pughsville, Virginia to mother Florence J. Avery. His father was not listed on his birth certificate as he denied paternity. With his mother, he moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey as a child.
After completing high school, Avery eventually served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was on active duty from 1968 to 1969. Afterward, he moved to San Diego, California where he began working as a writer for PBS, creating television scripts. He additionally enjoyed writing poetry. During this time, he won an Emmy Award for one of the productions he helped create and soon afterward received a scholarship to UC San Diego where he attended Thurgood Marshall College. In 1976, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama and literature.
James Avery’s Career Highlights
James Avery began his career as a writer for television before transitioning to minor acting roles in films like “The Stunt Man” and “The Blues Brothers” in 1980. He went on to appear in a number of television series and films throughout the 1980s, including “Hill Street Blues,” “The A-Team,” and “Moonlighting.”
In 1987, Avery landed his most notable role as the voice of Shredder in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” which he voiced for 103 episodes until 1993. He also starred as Philip Banks in the popular series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1996.
After “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” ended, Avery starred in the UPN comedy series “Sparks” and continued to appear in various television series and films throughout the 2000s, including “Dharma & Greg,” “The Closer,” and “Think Tank.”
Avery’s last on-screen appearances were in the television films “Hunt for the Labyrinth Killer,” “Go, Bolivia, Go!” and “Call Me Crazy: A Five Film.” He posthumously appeared in the film “Wish I Was Here” in 2014 and his voice can be heard in an episode of “Da Jammies” in 2015.
James Avery’s Life and Legacy
James Avery married his longtime girlfriend, Barbara, in 1988. They did not have any children together, but he was a stepfather to Barbara’s son, Kevin Waters. Avery delivered the commencement speech at his alma mater, UC San Diego, in both 2007 and 2012.
On December 31, 2013, Avery passed away at the age of 68 due to complications following open heart surgery. He received many tributes from former colleagues, including Janet Hubert, Will Smith, Joseph Marcell, and Alfonso Ribeiro. Avery’s remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered near the Pacific Ocean.
In April of 2020, the cast of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reunited on a video conference call to honor some of Avery’s best moments on the show.
James Avery’s Real Estate Investment
James Avery purchased a home in LA’s Los Feliz neighborhood in November of 1992 for $565,000. The property proved to be a smart investment as, in February 2019, James’ estate sold the home for $1.81 million.
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