Godfrey Claims He Discovered "Uncle Phil" Actor James Avery Was Gay
Comedian Godfrey Claims He Discovered “Uncle Phil” Actor James Avery Was Gay
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Comedian Godfrey has stirred controversy with his recent claims about the late James Avery, best known for playing Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. During a discussion, Godfrey alleged that Avery was “gay as hell,” recounting a backstage encounter that led him to this belief.
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“I had to do audience coordinating for the Gospel Awards when I first started comedy in Chicago,” Godfrey shared. “Behind the scenes, James Avery was there. Mike Tyson, Farrakhan, everybody was there.” According to Godfrey, the atmosphere backstage was lively, and he claimed that many of the gospel performers were acting “very gay.” It was during this event that Avery’s demeanor caught his attention.
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“I saw him, he was flamboyant,” Godfrey recalled. “I was like, ‘This is Uncle Phil? Uncle Phil is Aunt Phil?’” He went on to imitate Avery’s hand gestures and mannerisms, adding, “He was like, ‘Girl,’” which took him by surprise. “He was such a great actor. You would never know.”
Godfrey didn’t stop with Avery, also suggesting that other Hollywood figures from past generations, including Family Matters star Reginald VelJohnson, were secretly part of the LGBTQ+ community.
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While Godfrey’s claims have set social media ablaze, he isn’t the first to stir speculation about Avery’s personal life. However, many have pushed back against these rumors. Last year, Twitter users defended Avery against similar allegations, dismissing them as baseless. “Did they just say James Avery is gay and went with it??? Looooooooool this man played a gay role as a guest on Grey’s Anatomy now you put it on him?? This is crazy,” one person tweeted in April.
James Avery, revered for his portrayal of the firm but loving Uncle Phil, passed away on December 31, 2013, at age 68 due to complications from open-heart surgery. His legacy remains deeply cherished by fans.
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