Will Smith pays tribute to Bel-Air co-star James Avery

James Avery (left) and Will Smith were co-stars in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Will Smith has paid tribute to his former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star James Avery, who died last week.

Smith, who played Avery's nephew in the 1990s sitcom, posted a photo of him with Avery and other cast members on his Facebook page.

He wrote that the picture was taken the last time they were together.

"Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery," added Smith.

"Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace."

The cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunite at 2005 BET Awards in Hollywood

Avery, who played Judge Philip Banks in more than 140 episodes of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, died aged 68 from complications after heart surgery.

Other cast members from the show have also paid tribute to the actor.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who played his son Carlton, 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, Will Smith's actress wife, said they had "lost yet another friend" on her Facebook page.

She added: "Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him. Rest in peace James."

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air originally aired on America's NBC network from September 1990 to May 1996.

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