James Avery - Actor Profile

James Avery

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 27, 1945
Birth Place: Pughsville [now Suffolk], Virginia, USA

About James Avery

James LaRue Avery (November 27, 1945 – December 31, 2013) was an American actor. Best known for his portrayal of the patriarch and attorney (later judge) Philip Banks, Will Smith's character's uncle, in the TVsitcomThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This character was ranked #34 in TV Guide's "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time." He also provided the voice of Shredder in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series, as well as War Machine in the animated series Iron Man and Junkyard Dog in Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling. He also played Michael Kelso's commanding officer at the police academy late in the series run of That '70s Show.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of James Avery reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of James Avery's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 32% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), James Avery remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Turtles' Awesome Easter, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best James Avery Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from James Avery's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of James Avery.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2014 Wish I Was Here Audition Actor #2 Hit Similar →
2013 Hunt for the Labyrinth Killer Judge Parsons Flop Similar →
2013 Call Me Crazy: A Five Film Dr. Beckett Hit Similar →
2012 Stars in Shorts Haig Average Similar →
2009 Steppin: The Movie The Chancellor Flop Similar →
2007 Who's Your Caddy? Caddy Mack Flop Similar →
2006 Danika Teddy Johnson Flop Similar →
2005 Spider-Man: The Venom Saga Jim Rhodes / War Machine Hit Similar →
2005 Lethal Eviction Gus Winter Flop Similar →
2004 Hair Show Seymour Gold Flop Similar →
2004 Raise Your Voice Mr. Gantry Hit Similar →
2002 Nancy Drew Prof. Shifflin Average Similar →
2001 Epoch Dr. Solomon Holt Flop Similar →
2001 Dr. Dolittle 2 Eldon Flop Similar →
2001 Dancing in September Mr. Warner Hit Similar →
1998 The Prince of Egypt Additional Voices (voice) Hit Similar →
1998 You Lucky Dog Calvin Bridges Average Similar →
1998 The Advanced Guard Fred, Captive Security Guard Flop Similar →
1995 The Brady Bunch Movie Mr. Steve Yeager Average Similar →
1994 Midnight Ramble Narrator Hit Similar →
1994 A Friend to Die For Agent Gilwood Average Similar →
1994 Hart to Hart: Old Friends Never Die Chess Player Hit Similar →
1993 Little Miss Millions Agent Noah Hollander Flop Similar →
1993 Without Warning: Terror in the Towers Fred Derby Flop Similar →
1992 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Turtles' Awesome Easter Shredder (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1991 Shout Midnight Rider (voice) Average Similar →
1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Planet of the Turtleoids Shredder (voice) Average Similar →
1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles at the Earth's Core Splinter (voice) Average Similar →
1991 Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time Lt. Coberly Flop Similar →
1991 The Linguini Incident Phil Hit Similar →
1989 Turn Back the Clock Fred (uncredited) Average Similar →
1989 Roe vs. Wade - Average Similar →
1989 Full Exposure: The Sex Tapes Scandal Earl Flop Similar →
1988 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Epic Begins Shredder (voice) Hit Similar →
1988 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Heroes in a Halfshell Shredder (voice) Hit Similar →
1988 License to Drive Les' DMV examiner Hit Similar →
1987 Deadly Daphne's Revenge Detective Wood Flop Similar →
1987 Nightflyers Darryl Flop Similar →
1987 Three for the Road Clarence Average Similar →
1987 Timestalkers Blacksmith Flop Similar →
1986 Extremities Security Guard Average Similar →
1986 Condor Cas Flop Similar →
1986 8 Million Ways to Die Deputy D.A. Flop Similar →
1986 The Ladies Club Joe Flop Similar →
1986 The 11th Commandment Attendant Flop Similar →
1985 Fletch Detective #2 Hit Similar →
1985 Kicks Stanley Average Similar →
1983 Antony and Cleopatra Mardian Flop Similar →
1980 The Stunt Man Man Playing Pinball (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1980 The Blues Brothers Man Dancing Outside Ray's Shop Super Hit Similar →

James Avery - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of James Avery?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Avery is "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Turtles' Awesome Easter" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has James Avery acted in?

James Avery has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by James Avery?

Other notable films include "The Blues Brothers", "The Prince of Egypt", and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Epic Begins".