20 More TV Acting Performances That Are Totally Flawless

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is remembered for a lot of things - its all-timer of an opening theme; the way it boosted Will Smith to superstardom; Carlton Banks' ridiculous dance routine; and all those scenes inserted between the comedy that make you ball your eyes out even on your tenth viewing.

But its best and most constant MVP was always the late James Avery, who played family matriarch Philip Banks with such authority, soul and moral incorruptibility that every scene with him was unalloyed joy, regardless of whether he was confronting Will's father and bringing the tears or showing his hilarious but awesome skills on the pool table.

Avery, like all great sitcom actors, was a master of moving between all-out comedy and hard-hitting drama. Between his booming voice, intimidating yet comforting presence and top-rate parenting skills, he made Philip the funniest man on screen, but also the biggest role model and a remarkable voice of wisdom whose approach to life is as affecting today as it was over 30 years ago.