On New Year's Day, we reported the sad news that The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star James Avery passed away at the age of 68, following complications from an open heart surgery. Last night, the late actor's co-star Will Smith issued a heartfelt statement on his official Facebook page, along with a photo of the last time he met with James Avery and his The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-stars Alfonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons and Tatyana Ali. Take a look at the photo and statement below.

Will Smith James Avery tribute photo

"Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery. Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace. This photo was the last time we were together"

Tatyana Ali also sent out the following tweet after learning of James Avery's passing.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which ran for six seasons between 1990 and 1996, helped launch both Will Smith and Tatyana Ali's careers as actors.