Tatyana Ali Honors Late James Avery with a Heartfelt Waltz on DWTS Dedication Night

When the ballroom lights dimmed on October 20, the air felt a little heavier than usual. Tatyana Ali, best‑known as Ashley Banks from “The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air,” stepped onto the DWTS stage not just as a contestant, but as a grieving friend. She was there to remember James Avery – the actor who gave us the unforgettable Uncle Phil – who passed away in 2013.

Ali’s routine was a Viennese waltz set to Nancy Wilson’s soulful classic “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am.” She’d actually recorded her own vocals beforehand, hoping the song’s gentle swing would echo Avery’s love for jazz. “I just want you all to feel how much we love him,” she told the cameras during rehearsals, a little nervous smile breaking through her words.

She began the dance in a peach‑hued gown, perched on a plush couch as the music started. Partner Jan Ravnik lifted her onto her feet, and together they glided across the floor with a grace that felt both celebratory and mournful. Mid‑way, a familiar face emerged from the audience: Alfonso Ribeiro, the man who played Carlton on the same sitcom and a former DWTS champion.

Ribeiro slipped into the routine, taking Ali’s hand for a brief, intimate moment that left the studio audience reaching for tissues. The two swayed, holding each other close, while a large photo of James Avery flickered behind them, his warm smile lighting the backdrop. When the music softened, they lingered, hands clasped, a quiet salute to a man who’d been more than a co‑star – a mentor, a father figure.

The judges were visibly moved. Carrie Ann Inaba whispered that witnessing such a heartfelt reunion was an honor, and the couple earned a 32 out of 40 – the highest score of the evening. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was the raw emotion that resonated through every step.

Ali reflected later that Avery had introduced her to so many artists, jazz legends among them, and that without his guidance she might never have become the performer she is today. “I wouldn’t be who I am without him,” she said, her voice cracking slightly. “Dancing with Alfonso tonight feels like the perfect way to celebrate his legacy.”

For fans of “The Fresh Prince,” the tribute was a poignant reminder of Uncle Phil’s impact – a stern yet loving figure who anchored a show that still feels fresh after all these years. Though he left us too soon, moments like this waltz keep his spirit twirling on.