James Avery

Background

James LaRue Avery is a household name when it comes to legendary actors. His skill and vigor catapulted his career and made him an inspiration to so many others. He was born on November 27, 1945, in Pughsville, Virginia. He was born and raised by Florence J. Avery, his mother. His father denied paternity and hence was absent in his life. His mother relocated to Atlantic City, in New Jersey, shortly after he was born. He grew up in New Jersey and later on, in 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy up to 1969, throughout the Vietnam War. When he came back, he relocated to San Diego, California. It was there that he started to write poetry and eventually television scripts for P.B.S. He received an Emmy Award during his time there for production. This was followed by a scholarship to U.C. San Diego.

Avery then enrolled in Thurgood Marshall College, which was known as Third College then. He eventually graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama and literature. His career took off during the 1980s after making an appearance in “Hill Street Blues” aired by N.B.C. He became popularly known for the famous roles he played notably, Phillip Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” a role that positioned him at number 34 in “T.V. Guide’s” 50 Greatest T.V. Dads of all Time. He also played Alonzo Sparks, the lead role in “Sparks,” the U.P.N comedy series. It went on for two consecutive seasons.

He was also in “The Division” as Charles Haysbert as well as Michael Kelso’s commanding officer at the police academy in “That 70’s Show.” Although the role came in a bit late in the series, it was still very notable. He also voiced Shredder in the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” animated series together with James Rhodes/War Machine in the “Iron Man” series in 1990. He brought Junkyard Dog to life with his powerful bass in “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” which ran from 1985 to 1986. During the same year 1986, he also played Turbo in “Rambo and the Forces of Freedom.” He also played the character of Judge Michael Conover in “L.A. Law,” Steve Yeager in “The Brady Bunch,” Horoud Hazi Bin in “Aladdin,” and Dr. Crippen in “The Closer.”