Tatyana Ali’s‘Dancing With the Stars’tribute to James Avery came with a phone call first. Before taking the stage, Ali reached out to Avery’s widow, Barbara, to ask for her blessing and to make sure she knew exactly what the performance would involve. Ali said she wouldn’t have done it without her approval.
The routine itself was a Viennese waltz with pro partner Jan Ravnik, set to“(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,”with Ali singing the vocals herself. Alfonso Ribeiro, her‘Fresh Prince’TV brother and the show’s co-host, joined the dance for the tribute. The judges scored the pair 32 out of 40, and Ali called Avery a father figure who taught her that performing can be a way to contribute.
Avery, who played Uncle Phil, died in 2013 from complications after open-heart surgery. More than a decade later, the cast still shows up for him. New episodes of‘Dancing With the Stars’air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+.
What’s your favorite Uncle Phil moment? Tell us in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.