The world is still mourning the loss of actor James Avery, who played the dearly loved but strict Uncle Phil on the legendary 1990s comedy series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, who died from complications from open heart surgery on December 31.

"Our condolences to Aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him," wrote actress Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of rapper and actor Will Smith, as she expressed her condolences via Facebook on the behalf of the entire Smith family yesterday.

The Smith family received the news on Avery's death on Tuesday.

"Will was ringing in the New Year with his family when an associate told him the news," a source said to CNN. "Working with James was a big part of his life, in fact, James was something of a father figure to Will."

The source continued, "He's devastated by the death... James will be sorely missed."

"(James Avery was) a marvelous man and a truly wonderful actor," said Fresh Prince of Bel Air co-star Joseph Marcell to CNN regarding Avery's passing.

Marcel is most known for his role as Geoffrey, the Banks family butler on the hit series.

"He strove to present an Uncle Phil that everybody wishes was their uncle."

Actress Tatyana Ali played Avery's TV daughter Ashley Banks on the 90's sitcom, and expressed her feelings of loss as well.

"James was my teacher my protector & the most magnificent actor. We're feeling his loss very deeply. He'll always be apart of me #JamesAvery."

Supermodel and actress Tyra Banks, who also had a recurrent character named Jackie Ames on the show gave her condolences.

"Sending condolences to the family of James Avery, 'Uncle Phil' of the Fresh Prince. I'll always remember how warm he was to me on set," wrote Banks on Twitter.

Avery is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Avery; his mother Florence Avery; and his stepson Kevin Waters.