Philip Banks

About

Philip Banks, affectionately known as Uncle Phil, is a central character in the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Played by James Avery from 1990 to 1996, he is a successful lawyer and later a judge, known for his stern yet loving demeanor. As the uncle of Will Smith, he takes Will into his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, after Will's troubles in Philadelphia. Philip is a self-made man who values education and hard work, having come from humble beginnings in Baltimore. Philip's character is complex, combining a former civil rights activist background with a successful legal career. He is a devoted family man, providing for his wife Vivian and children Carlton, Hilary, and Ashley, while also offering guidance and support to Will. His role model status is reinforced by his commitment to social justice and his ability to balance discipline with compassion. In the 2022 series Bel-Air, Philip is portrayed by Adrian Holmes, maintaining the core values of the character while exploring deeper themes.