Will Smith spoke out publicly for the first time over the weekend about the recent death of James Avery, his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air costar who played Uncle Phil.

"Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery," Smith wrote in a Facebook post (see below). "Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace."

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On the popular 1990s show, Avery assumed the role of fill-in father for Will Smith's character. Avery's performance earned him a spot on TV Guide's list of 50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time.

Smith's Facebook post included the last photo he and Avery took together:

Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton, announced Avery's death on Twitter and Facebook on Jan. 1. The 68-year-old reportedly died due to complications from open-heart surgery.

BONUS: 9 Pieces of Everyday Wisdom From Uncle Phil

Uncle Phil Quotes

Image: Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images