Will Smith Breaks Silence On Uncle Phil Death...He Made Me a Better Man

Will Smith has finally opened up about the death of his TV dad James Avery ... saying the guy who played Uncle Phil on "Fresh Prince" made him a more "respectable human being."
He posted a tribute to his co-star on Facebook ... writing, "Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery."
He added, "Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace."
He also included a photo with Avery and other "Prince" cast members taken the last time they all got together.