Actress Janet Hubert has become the latest celebrity to pay tribute to late actor James Avery, who passed away on Tuesday (31Dec13) from complications due to heart surgery.

Hubert, who played Avery's Tv wife on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air for three seasons, has penned a heartfelt letter after learning of her co-star's passing.

She writes, "I am home healing and was shocked to hear of James' passing... Acting with James was like a great doubles match! He was one of the best actors I have worked with in my many years. He was like a big strong boulder, that could either crush you or shield you.

"He was first and foremost an actor, classically trained, climbed that ladder step by step, role by role, to become one of the most powerful Tv dads that had ever been created.

"My heart goes out to Barbara, his real wife, and family and I ask that you respect her place... RIP James, all the world is a stage, and we are all merely players in this production called Life."

Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Don Cheadle, Alfonso Ribeiro, Tatyana Ali and Zach Braff have also offered their condolences to Avery's family.