UNCLE PHIL'S DOUBLE LIFE

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is one of our favorite shows of all time. It has withstood the test of time admirably and its syndication episodes are the only thing that get us through the early evening TV doldrums.

We've had countless reasons for liking the show. We've always identified with Will Smith's valiant effort to bring realness to people not accustomed to being real. Additionally, we think that the show got really lucky with both of the daughters turning out to be hot - things could have been very shaky if Ashley turned out to be a dog.

Anyway, there's always been something we haven't been able to pinpoint about the show. Today, we figured it out.

Uncle Phil also did the voice for Shredder in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon.

That's right - not only was he a rich lawyer/judge in the Beverly Hills, but he was also a crazed villain hell-bent on destroying 4 turtles and a giant rat. This remarkable diversity explains his effortless ability to transition through scenes and attack even the toughest emotional dialogue with ease. Not any may can convincingly portray a wealthy, African American lawyer and a crazy cartoon villain.
Now, it would be one thing for James Avery to handle each of these roles at separate times. But for 4 years, Avery was taking on double duty. That's right - he managed to play both Uncle Phil and Shredder... AT THE SAME TIME. I wonder if Will Smith knew about that moonlighting...

Here's to you James Avery/Uncle Phil/Shredder.