First things first; rest in peace, Uncle Phil!
Source: Disney / Eric McCandless
That was the theme Tuesday when Tatyana Ali brought Fresh Prince fans to tears on Dancing With The Stars by reuniting with her TV brother Alfonso Ribeiro for an emotional tribute to their late TV father, James Avery. The heartfelt homage honored the beloved actor who played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and it was a full-circle moment more than three decades in the making.
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During the show’s Dedication Night, Tatyana, 47, and her professional partner Jan Ravnik performed a moving Viennese Waltz to Nancy Wilson’s “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am.” PEOPLE reports that, as a special surprise, Ali revealed that she recorded her own vocals for the rendition of the jazz classic for the performance.
Source: Disney / Eric McCandless
“It wouldn’t be the performance it needs to be without Alfonso on the stage with me,” Ali said ahead of the dance about Alfonso Ribeiro a.k.a. Carlton Banks briefly stepping away from his DWTS-hosting duties to join her.
“It’s just right,” Ribeiro agreed. “And it’s an opportunity to say thank you.”
Tatyana Ali Honors James Avery’s Lasting Impact On Her Life
During the show, Tatyana shared that the performance was about much more than honoring a television legend.
Source: Disney / Eric McCandless
“He just always cheered me on,” PEOPLE reports Ali told co-host Julianne Hough following the performance, adding that Avery “would be in that audience” if he were still alive.
The actress also shared a heartfelt message for those closest to the late actor.
“I want to send my love to his family and his friends and [his wife] Barbara for letting us do this. I love you guys, and I hope I did you proud,” she said.
As previously reported, ahead of the performance, Tatyan reflected on the invaluable lessons Avery taught her while they worked together on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
“Everything I believe about being an artist, was learned at his feet. I loved him very much and I know many of you did too,” she captioned a carousel of throwback photos on Oct. 15.
“James Avery was one of my greatest teachers. I hope you feel all the love we’re putting into this dance,” she wrote. “I know if James was still here, he would have been in that audience cheering me on, encouraging me, telling me all the good things he sees in me.”
In a rehearsal video shared ahead of Dedication Night, Ali further explained why Avery’s influence extended far beyond the Fresh Prince set.
“He was a mentor to me. He was a teacher to me. He was the heart of the show in so many ways,” she said.
“He loved the arts, and he taught me all the artists he thought I needed to know,” she continued. “I wouldn’t be who I am today, as a performer, as a woman, without him being in my life.”
As BOSSIP previously reported, Avery passed away on Dec. 31, 2013, following complications from open-heart surgery. His portrayal of the legendary Bel-Air family patriarch Uncle Phil remains one of television’s most memorable father figures.
R.I.P. Uncle Phil.
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