%20New%20Logo_4.jpg){kind=small}
DWTS: Tatyana Ali on Dancing With Alfonso Ribeiro For Tribute to 'Fresh Prince' Dad James Avery
Tatyana Ali and Alfonso Ribeiro shared an emotional reunion on Dancing With the Stars as they honored their late The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star James Avery, who played their beloved television father, Philip Banks.
The tribute took place during the show's Dedication Night on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Ali performed alongside her professional dance partner, Jan Ravnik, before Ribeiro joined them on the ballroom floor for a moving moment that celebrated Avery's lasting impact on their lives.
Following the performance, Ali and Ravnik spoke with Entertainment Tonight correspondent Denny Directo about the emotional experience and the opportunity to pay tribute to someone who meant so much to them.
A Special Reunion After Nearly 40 Years of Friendship
Ali and Ribeiro grew up together on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where Ali played Ashley Banks and Ribeiro portrayed her older brother, Carlton Banks. Their on-screen relationship became a fan favorite, and their friendship has continued long after the sitcom ended.
Having Ribeiro join her performance made the tribute especially meaningful for Ali. The two actors were able to share the ballroom and honor Avery together in a way that reflected the family bond they developed during their years on the show.
Ribeiro, who currently co-hosts Dancing With the Stars, said he was grateful to be included in the performance. For longtime fans, seeing the former television siblings reunite offered a reminder of the connection that made the original series so memorable.
Honoring the Man Behind Uncle Phil
Avery portrayed Philip “Uncle Phil” Banks, the firm but loving father figure at the center of the Banks family. His character became one of the most recognizable television fathers of the 1990s, but his influence on the cast extended beyond the screen.
Ali has described Avery as a mentor who helped shape her both personally and professionally. She recalled how he encouraged young performers to view their work as more than a job, teaching them that art could be a way to contribute to the world and connect with others.
Avery also introduced Ali to artists and music that influenced her creative journey. His love of the arts and his encouragement left a lasting impression on her, making the Dedication Night performance an opportunity to express gratitude for the lessons he shared.
The actor died in December 2013 at age 68 following complications from open-heart surgery.
A Viennese Waltz With a Personal Touch
Ali and Ravnik performed a Viennese waltz to Nancy Wilson's “(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am.” Ali recorded her own vocals for the routine, adding another personal element to the dedication.
Midway through the performance, Ribeiro joined them on the dance floor, bringing the tribute full circle. The routine concluded with a photograph of Avery, underscoring the love and appreciation the performers continue to feel for their late co-star.
The dance earned Ali and Ravnik a score of 32 out of 40. But beyond the competition, the performance offered an emotional celebration of a man whose influence continues to be felt by the people who knew him.
James Avery's Legacy Lives On
For Ali, the tribute was about keeping Avery's memory alive and sharing the person behind the character audiences loved. His portrayal of Uncle Phil helped define The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but his guidance and generosity also left a lasting mark on the cast.
The reunion between Ali and Ribeiro showed how a television family can remain connected long after filming ends. Their performance honored Avery not only as an actor, but also as a father figure, teacher and mentor whose influence continued long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and streams on Disney+, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.
Source: ET
Comments