How tall was James Avery

James Avery's Height

6ft 4 ½ (194.3 cm)

American, actor best remembered for playing Philip Banks on the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

How tall is James Avery
Photo by PR Photos

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Add a Comment219 comments

Average Guess (39 Votes)
6ft 4.72in (194.9cm)
YaBoiJeboris said on 10/Nov/23
Did Big Lewis's mom marry a tall man because she is tall herself?
Editor Rob
She was married to a shorter guy, Jenny said he was about our height, but divorced.

Been with Big Lewis Father for nearly 25 years.
eshakir said on 29/Apr/23
Rob was he always 6’4.5” I thought you had him at 6ft 4.75 at some point
Editor Rob
Yeah for a good few years at 4.75 till last year.
Daniel Lee said on 7/May/22
if he was 6'4.5, Kick Smith is at very most 6'1.25" or a hair over 6'1
Canson said on 26/Mar/22
He’s never claimed a height publicly but Smith and Ribeiro both said he was 6’4”. Chances are he was 6’4 1/2 max and that he Rounded down. Maybe he was 6’4 1/2 lunchtime and 6’4 3/8 afternoon. The 6’5 listing prob came from 6’4 1/2 claim somewhere
Mincer said on 24/Mar/22
Rob, did James ever claim a height himself?
Editor Rob
I'd never read a direct quote.
Arch Stanton said on 7/Mar/22
Will Smith once said "James Avery was this six-foot-four, 300-pound stage-trained Shakespearean beast and I'm the little rapper from Philly under him". ... I think his weight fluctuated over the years but at his heaviest at times in Bel Air I could believe he was nearer 350 pounds.
Duhon said on 4/Mar/22
Anyone have an idea what he weighed?
Canson said on 18/Dec/21
@Rampage: this prob fits Avery’s peak. At least close enough. I don’t rule out 6’4.25 or the 4.25-.5 range but 6’4.5 in his 30s is a good possibility since he looked to be a hair over 6’4 when the FPOBA started. But ironically he could look 6’3 range later in life prior to his death.
JamesB171.5cm said on 15/Dec/21
6’4.25 at the start of the fresh prince and 6’3.75 by the end of the series. Even in 1989 probably lost a small fraction from his peak.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 24/Oct/21
That scene in Fletch. He's maybe an inch taller than Chevy....6ft5 would only work if Chevy was 6ft4
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 24/Oct/21
There's nothing of him in his 30's though. That would definitely give a better idea of his true peak


This is the bare minimum I'd argue peak. The full 6ft5 seemed like a stretch...could pull it off occasionally maybe
Canson said on 25/Jul/21
@Rampage: yea by the end he was max 6’4”. I know Will Smith and Alfonso Ribiero both said he’s 6’4”. Maybe peal he was 6’4.5”
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 22/Jul/21
Disagree, I think peak nearer 6ft5 than 6ft4...by the end of Fresh Prince may have lost a little
Canson said on 21/Jul/21
This is a bit better
Canson said on 20/Jul/21
He was never under 6’4 in his prime. I agree he wasn’t as high as 6’4.75 though.

@Editor Rob: Will Smith and Alfonso Ribiero both called him 6’4”. Arguably 6’4.5 or 6’4 3/8 peak but you have him overlisted. Down to 6’4 when the show ended. Really just a 194 guy max peak. Smith was never an afternoon 6’1.5”. See him with Kobe, Michael Jordan, or Michael Phelps. Max 6’1.25 but maybe 6’1

Click Here
Editor Rob
6ft 4.5 I think I will give him
stiggles said on 10/Mar/21
He was never over 6ft 4... prob peaked at 6ft 3.5
Lins 5'11.25 said on 26/Dec/20
1970s: 6ft 4 5/8 (194.6cm)
1990s: 6ft 4 1/4 (193.6cm)
Canson said on 22/Nov/20
@Editor Rob: maybe in the beginning of the series it was close. Maybe he was 194cm or close. Toward the end I could believe 6’4”. I think 6’4.5” is fair for his peak though I agree with you. Better than 6’4.75” for sure. He wasn’t as tall as someone like Tim Robbins or Vince Vaughn
Canson said on 21/Nov/20
@Editor Rob: if Smith was only 6’1” or 6’1.25” he could’ve easily been 6’4” at the end of the series in 1996. At times it looked a solid 3” or a hair over but other times it could look 2.5-3” range. My money would be a peak Avery was 193-194 at least though.
Canson said on 21/Nov/20
@Editor Rob: definitely not 6’4.75. Arguably if we believe Smith to be 6’1.5 maybe 6’4.5 but really 6’4.25 is probably more. Remember both guys claimed he’s 6’4 so he probably told them that. But for Smith, I could see 6’1” for him or max 6’1.25 next to Michael Phelps, Kobe or Jordan. 6’1.5 seems a bit high.
Editor Rob
the 4.5 figure is something worth considering
Canson said on 21/Nov/20
Click Here

@Editor Rob: Will Smith calls him 6’4” again here. Alfonso Ribeiro also called him 6’4”. I doubt he was ever 6’4.75”. Maybe a strong 6’4 to 6’4.5 peak
Editor Rob
I think generally around 3in taller than Smith was possible, but a flat 6ft 4 for James? I don't know about that...
MaskDeMasque said on 19/Nov/20
He looked about three inches taller than Will Smith. 6'4.5 peak.
Nik said on 8/Oct/20
R.I.P James Avery.
TheDon1528 said on 6/Oct/20
6'4.5" peak
Canson said on 9/Aug/20
Alfonso Ribeiro claimed that Avery is 6’4”
James B 172cm said on 26/Apr/20
rob how tall do you think james looks here compared to chevy chase?
Click Here

i am thinking 6'4.
Editor Rob
I always thought he was over 6ft 4 compared to Chase
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 27/Mar/20
I think he cleared 300lbs at his heaviest
Canson said on 26/Mar/20
@Jordan87: LOL. I sure wouldn’t either! That was actually a running theme/joke with them. Once Uncle Phil threw him in the house when he needed information from him on something lol. The other guy was Jazz. He’s DJ Jazzy Jeff, Wil’s rap partner and DJ on most hits such as Summertime
Jordan87 said on 25/Mar/20
@ CANSON,

Yeah it was strange b/c we are all used to him being a Massive man. I mean, yeah he was overweight but at the same time his shoulder width was immense. Was one Episode where he picked up Will's Friend ( I forget his name) and carried him on his shoulders without any strain. Plus he was in his 50's at that point. I would not want to get " Hit " By Uncle Phil lol.
Canson said on 27/Feb/20
@Jordan87: I agree with what you said. He had lost some weight Well prior to his death and after FPOBA. He looked “odd” so to speak because his face looked different and the shoulders weren’t as pronounced
Jordan87 said on 25/Feb/20
Canson,J-Dog

With Weight Its hard I would Say James Over 300 I would say a man that height with his Frame ( Wasn't just fat, he had wide shoulders) Puts him over 300 toward the later seasons.

James Gandolfini was 285 pounds During the last 2 Seasons of the Sopranos and was 4" Shorter than James Avery.

John Goodman was 285 pounds During Roseanne ( The Earlier Seasons) as was 3" Shorter than James Avery.

Avery was Over 300 for sure seeing as he is taller than James Gandolfini and John Goodman and looks no slimmer.
Jkiller said on 14/Feb/20
Yeah a 195cm peak seems right.
Canson said on 17/Apr/19
@J-Dog: I think 194-195 peak more I see. Maybe 195 is a best case. As far as weight I would say pushing 300 if not a full 300
J-Dog said on 17/Apr/19
James Avery appeared to be ~195cm @ peak height.

Great actor. How much do you guys think James Avery weighed while at his peak height?
AquaShoes said on 29/Oct/18
Huge dude, probably 6'4 peak
Garnoct said on 17/Oct/18
He looks realy big
Danimal 5'9 3/4" said on 12/Oct/18
Shredder said on 4/Jul/16
Danimal , Chase claimed he was 6'3.5 in his prime.

No, he didn't. You're referring to his appearance on Howard Stern from 2007-2008. He said he IS 6'3.5", NOT WAS. He ALWAYS claimed that he was 6'4" in interviews throughout the years.
Monkey knees said on 9/Oct/18
One episode where Will/Carlton play poker with Jeff, they tell a story to distract him, as he keeps winning. Will and Uncle Phil share a scene in a "caravan", James had to stoop a good 2 inches and was still standing over smith. Big big man. Pushing 6ft 5in.
Erik C. said on 15/Sep/18
To me, easily solid 6'4+ and fair 6'5'' in his prime. He kinda looks similar in height to Charles Barkley.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 23/May/18
193-194cm by the end of Fresh Prince, 192-193cm by the mid 2000s, 191-192cm at the time of his death
Micky said on 8/Apr/18
6'4" - 6'4.5" is what I saw on Fresh Prince.
James B 170.8cm said on 30/Mar/18
6ft4.5 in first episode of fresh prince and 6ft4 by the 1994-1996 seasons.
Canson said on 3/Mar/18
Peak 6’4.5
Junior Hernandez said on 4/Feb/18
Found a funny gif moment of uncle Avery. ROFL.

Click Here:
Andrea said on 21/Dec/17
I have seen nothing of him, but was he really a big 6'5 guy at peak, Rob? I mean, look at him in his late 50s (2000-2001) with Boris: Click Here Do you think he had already lost a big inch by then, considering that Boris looks a bit taller than him? And James also seems to be standing pretty tall there...
Editor Rob
actually I'd say a weak 6ft 5 peak for Avery may be quite possible, I think he lost height by his 40's and even more into 50's.

He seems a weak 6ft 4 range with Boris in the scene.
The Shredder said on 1/Dec/17
Yeah I noticed his height appears lower and lower from Fresh Prince , in Season 1 he looked about 3.5 minimum or 4 inches on Will , then it was more like 3 , then more like 2.5 , so he did indeed lose height during the shows run or it was just posture and Will wearing boots , or a mixture of all 3.
James B said on 6/Nov/17
I think it's evident he lost height throughout the 1989-1996 Run of the fresh prince
Matthew Robinson said on 30/Jul/17
6'4" - 6'4.5" in his Fresh Prince days. I don't doubt he was solidly a 194 - 195 cm guy in his 20s, but full 6'5" is probably a bit too high.
Canson said on 11/Jul/17
As listed peak prob closer to 6'4" (194cm) later
VeryShortRussianDude said on 2/Apr/17
Click Here

Rob, what would be your estimation for the short bloke in this scene?
Editor Rob
a little bit shorter than Big G, so roughly five foot.
Lorne??? said on 30/Dec/16
Chevy wasn't several inches taller than Candy, but it was certainly more than listed.(or at least appeared).

Chevy could have been 3.75? Occasionaly .75ers claim 1/2in. Shredder and co, thoughts?
Canson said on 25/Jul/16
He looks exactly as tall in some episodes with Will Smith as Michael Jordan does in pictures.
Canson said on 4/Jul/16
@Danimal: he was a good from the look of it 194 prime. He towered everyone in FPoBA.
Shredder said on 4/Jul/16
Danimal , Chase claimed he was 6'3.5 in his prime. He said it out of his own mouth.
Danimal (176-178cm) said on 2/Jul/16
Shredder said on 1/Jul/16
He was about 1.5 over 6'3.5 Chevy Chase , but James had more footwear , Weak 6'5 at his peak.

Chevy was 6'4" peak. He has several inches on John Candy (in both Vacation and Nothing But Trouble) and YES, James Avery did edge out Chevy in Fletch, but not by as much as 1.5". James was more like 6'4.5" (weak 6'5").
Canson said on 1/Jul/16
@6'2: lol I remember that. He said something like a 6'3 250 pound man wearing something. Will basically gave his own lie away lol. I always knew he wasn't over 6'0 range 6'.5, not 6'1 or 6'2 like he claims. Avery looked 6'4 imho. Maybe his peak was 6'4.5 it's possible
Shredder said on 1/Jul/16
He was about 1.5 over 6'3.5 Chevy Chase , but James had more footwear , Weak 6'5 at his peak.
6'2 said on 1/Jul/16
in one episode of fresh prince will refers to uncle phil as 6'3
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 29/Jun/16
Rob, could he have dropped a fraction by his 40's?

He was a heavy dude
Dave260 said on 21/Jun/16
This guy is 195cm tall
James B said on 24/May/16
Will smith was 20 at start of the fresh prince so I am sure he did all his growing by that point.
berta said on 24/Mar/16
looked closer to 194 with chevy chase. Randy quaid looked taller with chevy than avery
FreshPrince said on 7/Aug/15
He was 6'5. He looked taller to will earlier in the show because when the show started will was slightly a inch or two shorter than he was at the end of the series.
james b said on 23/May/15
in the very early seasons of fresh prince he looked 6'5.
Jim said on 8/Mar/15
He was a solid 6'4", maybe even 6'4.5" in his prime. Big guy and was a great actor. May he RIP.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 2/Oct/14
He still looked a solid 6ft4 in the last few years of his life...
James B said on 22/Apr/14
Took away his current 6'4 listing out of respect rob?
Editor Rob
well, anybody who is no longer with us gets their peak height back.
James B said on 16/Mar/14
I agree in the 1990-1991 season of the fresh prince he did look slightly taller than he did in the later seasons of the fresh prince. Defo seemed a bigger gap between him and will in the early seasons.
Lillo thomas said on 10/Mar/14
In the early seasons of Fresh prince series james avery look about 6'5 easily 4 inches taller than will smith . James avery next to Will looked similar how Will smith look next to michael jordan.
5ft10guy said on 4/Jan/14
Rest in Peace James .I grew up watching the show and besides his height he always had a big presence and touched me as kid always will love this guy for it rest in peace.
Balrog said on 2/Jan/14
Rest in peace
Arch Stanton said on 2/Jan/14
1.85 m, 83 kg says on 27/May/13
James/Rob

Contrary to your comments, class III obese patients often have an inch or two extra in height due to the build-up of fat around their head and feet. However, the weight definitely may have compressed his spine in terms of height loss later in life.

If that was really true Steven Seagal would now be 6'6.5"...
Arch Stanton said on 2/Jan/14
RIP big man!
Frank said on 2/Jan/14
Probably when he was young around 195 cms(6´4.75") cms and in the serie with Will Smith around 193 cms(6´4").
RIP
MIKESOWELL said on 1/Jan/14
R.I.P. James Avery
avi said on 1/Jan/14
Always looked 2.5-3 taller than will Smith .
Arch, didn't make smith look 6'0 he looks 6'1 next to Avery even if Avery was 6'4 flat. I say 6'4.5 and will Smith 6'1.5 area. Smith would do goofy things with his arms and bend his shoulders and instantly drop 1/2-1 inch in height. Maybe then he looked under 6'1 next to Avery who just stood normally .
Kaiserchief said on 1/Jan/14
Rip my hero he died way to young today
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 11/Dec/13
He looked at least a strong 6ft4 on The Fresh Prince. There was roughly 2.5-3in between him and Will Smith. In the years before that he was probably 6ft5.
the shredder said on 17/Oct/13
At least 3 inches on Will Smith.
Mathew said on 14/Oct/13
I saw a couple episodes of Fresh Prince recently. I think he looked 6'4", no shorter no taller.
Mathew said on 10/Sep/13
Dom says on 15/Jul/13
He's definitely 6'4 in the Fresh prince days. No way was he taller than that if Will is 6'1.

---

Yeah, I'd put approximately 3" between the 2 on that show. I don't think the difference was as much as a full 4" (or as little as a flat 2").
Dom said on 15/Jul/13
He's definitely 6'4 in the Fresh prince days. No way was he taller than that if Will is 6'1.
1.85 m, 83 kg said on 27/May/13
James/Rob

Contrary to your comments, class III obese patients often have an inch or two extra in height due to the build-up of fat around their head and feet. However, the weight definitely may have compressed his spine in terms of height loss later in life.
1.85 m, 83 kg said on 25/May/13
6'4" peak, 6'3" now. I guarantee it.
Mathew said on 15/Apr/13
James says on 7/Jan/13
6'4.5 range during fresh prince era

---

Agreed. I don't know if he was ever any taller than that, but he looked easily 6'4" - 6'4.5" range on Fresh Prince.
James said on 7/Jan/13
6'4.5 range during fresh prince era
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 17/Dec/12
Looked a weak 6ft5 during The Fresh Prince era. I think Will Smith could look 6ft2 next to Avery at times
Iillo Thomas said on 17/Nov/12
Avery got 4 inches on will smith in the earlier seasons . The difference look 3 -3.5 inches in the later seasons . Will smith change his shoes .
James said on 4/Nov/12
Do u think most likely rob he was the full 196cm in his 20's and because of being overweight perhaps that might have robbed him of some height!

Do you think possibly 194cm in the fresh Prince days?
Editor Rob
I think dropping a fraction by 40 for a big guy like him isn't that unbelievable.
James said on 4/Nov/12
Rob how could he be 6'5 peak when he had no more than 3 inches on will smith who you think might be 6'1.5 tops?

its unlikely he would have already lost 1 inch from his peak by the time of the fresh prince? 6'4 seems too make more sense for his peak overall.
Editor Rob
depends on when he started to lose height, maybe he never did during the tv show. I think he could look 3 or 3.5 inches taller
Arch Stanton said on 3/Nov/12
the shredder says on 30/Jul/12
Rob , so is 6'5 peak good ? ... He made Will look 6'0 on FP !
[Editor Rob: it could be for him]

Avery had 3 inches on Will Smith not 5!!!
the shredder said on 31/Jul/12
Rob , Chase has bigger footwear , Avery is 6'5 .
the shredder said on 30/Jul/12
Rob , so is 6'5 peak good ? ... He made Will look 6'0 on FP !
Editor Rob
it could be for him
the shredder said on 29/Jul/12
Rob , have you looked at the vid ? How much do you think between him and Chase ?
Editor Rob
sometimes it could be 2 in the clip, sometimes maybe a little less.
the shredder said on 26/Jul/12
Danimal , I'm not saying i WANT Chase 6'2 , I'm saying that ROB has him 6'3 and even if Chase is ROB's listing then Avery is not shorter then about 6'5.5 , I see 2 to 3 inches on Chase , if chase really is the minimum 6'4 that you think then Avery is 6'6 with ease !
Danimal said on 25/Jul/12
the shredder says on 23/Jul/12
Rob , you have Chase at 6'3 , Chase could have to be under if Avery is shorter then 6'5 in Fletch

So you want 6'4" (minimum peak) Chevy Chase at 6'2" now, but 5'6" and change Tom Cruise at 5'8"? Can't have it both ways Shredder. Chase had inches on John Candy in the early 80's. FACT.
the shredder said on 23/Jul/12
Rob , you have Chase at 6'3 , Chase could have to be under if Avery is shorter then 6'5 in Fletch
the shredder said on 15/Jun/12
Danimal says on 15/Jun/12
the shredder says on 14/Jun/12
Rob , James was 6'5 minimum , look at him with 6'3.5 Chase at :38 and more .

Oh for crying out loud, stop lowering Chevy Chase's peak height. Chevy was at least 6'4" in his prime. He had 2-3" on John Candy. Watch the end of National Lampoon's Vacation (early 80's). Chevy in sandals. John in big chunky dress shoes and Chevy significantly taller than him when they are side by side in the last picture. He also had 3-4" on Dan Akroyd. He was also said to be 6'5" in Fletch in the dream sequence when he was a basketball player. 6'5" and actually 6'9" with the Afro. He was also the same height as 6'4" Jack Palance. Solid 6'4" guy up until the early 1994 or so.

I was doing by Rob's listing ... Ned Beatty called , he wants his job back from Network .
Danimal said on 15/Jun/12
the shredder says on 14/Jun/12
Rob , James was 6'5 minimum , look at him with 6'3.5 Chase at :38 and more .

Oh for crying out loud, stop lowering Chevy Chase's peak height. Chevy was at least 6'4" in his prime. He had 2-3" on John Candy. Watch the end of National Lampoon's Vacation (early 80's). Chevy in sandals. John in big chunky dress shoes and Chevy significantly taller than him when they are side by side in the last picture. He also had 3-4" on Dan Akroyd. He was also said to be 6'5" in Fletch in the dream sequence when he was a basketball player. 6'5" and actually 6'9" with the Afro. He was also the same height as 6'4" Jack Palance. Solid 6'4" guy up until the early 1994 or so.
the shredder said on 14/Jun/12
Rob , did you see the 6'4 claim ?
Editor Rob
it doesn't look a direct quote
the shredder said on 14/Jun/12
WOW ROB , I was just on Will's and a user found him claiming 6'4 with a video of him with M.C. Ginley and he looks it , both making Will look 6'1 .
the shredder said on 14/Jun/12
Rob , here is the link ... :38 and more , Avery was 6'5 with ease Click Here
the shredder said on 14/Jun/12
Rob , James was 6'5 minimum , look at him with 6'3.5 Chase at :38 and more .
the shredder said on 4/Jan/12
Still at least 2" on Smith , I agree with Rob , 6'3 with not standing up , Smith is 186cm maximum , I still laugh at the 188cm comments . .
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 2/Jan/12
Actually saw a recent pic where
he looked only slightly taller
than Will. Rob, could Mr. R be
right in saying that Avery may
be 6ft2-6ft3 nowadays?
Editor Rob
maybe he looks 6ft 3 with poor posture today?
the shredder said on 15/Dec/11
Rob , If you know what height he appeared then we can take 2 " from that to know his real height ?
Editor Rob
I've got the series somewhere, I've met most of the other people on those shows, maybe when I find it I can look again.
the shredder said on 15/Dec/11
Rob , Did you say he looked 6'5 on Enterprise ? If he does I saw an interview where he said he had 3 " shoes !
Editor Rob
he did look huge, maybe the klingon style boots were the reason!
the shredder said on 1/Dec/11
I guess Will is 5'11.5 then LOL .
Mr. R said on 30/Nov/11
James is now between 6-2 and 6-3. I see his wife all the time.
Danimal said on 28/Nov/11
NO, he is described as 6'3" and 250 pounds NOT 260 pounds!!!
jasperwazap said on 27/Nov/11
on fresh prince will described him as 6'3'' 260
ANDREA[ITA] said on 9/Sep/11
ahah james you're just ridicolous! You said 6'4 first then since you want to keep 6'1.5 will smith believable at that height you said he looked a weak 6'5! hahah change your work
James said on 5/Sep/11
He defenintly looked a weak 6'5 next too will smith
Marc E said on 25/Aug/11
Ho can he even by 6 feet when he isnt as tall aqs AC Slater from saved by cthe bell who is only 5ft and a bit in his wresling shoes which are quiet thin admitdly? if it werent greeko-roman style wresling he woudl be even taller
AS said on 24/Aug/11
In an episode of FP of B James once walked through a door. As he walked through i paused it and measured the height of the door on screen with a ruler. I then calculated a scale based on the standard height of a door in a beverley hills mansion and then calculated the gap between the top of his head and the door frame. According to my numbers he was 6ft 4.38". Of course, he was wearing shoes, they looked like brogues which would probably have a 1.1" heel and we must obviously factor in the time of day as people are taller when just out of bed. The weather outside was bright and from the position of the shadows I would guess it was 1pm when filming of this scene was done so I would say his out of bed height is 6ft 4.5 unless of course he'd had a lie in that day and so the 6ft 4.38" (in brogues) is his full height.
atdhe said on 23/Aug/11
looked almost 3inches taller then will smith in prince of bel air
so I believe 194cm is just right for him
8ft Dan said on 23/Aug/11
I reckon on a stepladder that was sinking in a particularly soft bog he would be 2.3 inches lower than a bee flying at a wildly fluctuating height,
m said on 20/Aug/11
Next to Ashton Kutcher in that 70s Show he looked a little less than 6'4, so maybe 6'4.5 or even more in his prime.
Shaun said on 19/Aug/11
Looks an easy 3 inches taller than Smith, much like 6'4.5" peak Goldblum did. 194-95cm legit and over 300 pounds back then, looks a lot less now though.
James said on 18/Aug/11
defenitnly 2 on will these days.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 9/Aug/11
Avery would have 2in on Will Smith in 2011.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 14/Jul/11
I think today he might be fluctuating between 192-193cm.
At his peak a solid 194cm or 195cm. Nearer 6ft5.
James said on 12/Jun/11
looked 6'4 i thought in comparison to 6'1.25-6'1.5 Will Smith in the Fresh Prince.
Mathew said on 11/May/11
Peak height 6'4" for sure, maybe 6'4.5", not 6'5". He's probably shorter than 6'4" now, but he was a legit 6'4" on Fresh Prince.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 17/Apr/11
He's barely 6"4 today but at peak he could have been 6"5 or close..

But in Fresh Prince he was in his 50s so he may already have shrunk a small bit..he usually looked at least 6"4 in comparison to 6"1.5-6"2 Will Smith but other times could look closer to 6"3
James said on 22/Feb/11
he didn't look over 193cm to me in the Fresh Prince
John said on 13/Feb/11
Just saw him in the streets last week,
Now he is 62 years old, he is not as tall as that, I'm exactly 6'3.25, we had the same footwear and were about the same height.
Mathew said on 30/Dec/10
Peak he was for sure 6'4" - 6'4.5". I'm not sure if he still quite stands that tall today.
Hugh 190cm said on 30/Jun/09
I wouldn't go as low as 6ft3. 6ft4 flat nowadays and a weak 6ft5 peak, like 195cm.
the shredder said on 30/Jun/09
6'3 for him would make Will Smith no taller then 6'0 !
Lenad said on 29/Jun/09
194cm min 196cm max
James said on 29/Jun/09
Mr.R saw him at 6'3
ravi said on 29/Jun/09
if u remember the episode where will smith starts to protest against some campaign, uncle phil tells him he's just attracting attention. and will replies "so you think you, being a 6ft 3, 250pounder black dude aint attracting attention?" so chances are avery is 6ft 3
James said on 24/Jun/09
Shredder I am sorry but there did not look a great deal between him and Avery at times. Other times there might have looked more of a difference but other times less.
the shredder said on 23/Jun/09
James , your saying both Will Smith and James Avery look 6'3 in Fresh Prince , lol , man your getting funny ! Whats next , Will Smith 6'4 and James Avery 6'2 ?
James said on 22/Jun/09
The thing is though he really could look only 6'3 on the Fresh Prince
Hugh 190cm said on 22/Jun/09
A strong 6ft4 nowadays and a weak 6ft5 peak.
Mathew said on 21/Jun/09
I think 6'4" is about right.
James said on 20/Jun/09
Shredder I don't think there was as much as 3.5 between Will and James Avery. 6'6 is an exzaggeration. I think when James Avery was 20 I am 99 percent sure he was 6'5 (196cm). Now I would think he is 6'4 or 6'3.75.
Beckner said on 20/Jun/09
Because he always have a bad posture but in good posture is a giant between 6'6 without shoes and 6'7 with shoes
the shredder said on 20/Jun/09
WOW , 6'7 is pushing it , but 6'5.5 or 6'6 is possible if Will Smith is 6'2 1/2 ! 6'7 and 6'3 or both insane , 6'3 would make Will Smith barely 6'0 and 6'7 would Will Smith 6'3.5 !
Beckner said on 19/Jun/09
First of all nice to meet everyone.

I was with james avery in a event 2 months ago, he was standing next to me and he claims to be 6 ft 6 in but for me he seems to be 6 ft 7 in
josh said on 19/Jun/09
in real life alfonso riberu say he was 6'3 and even wikepedia say he was 6'3
the shredder said on 19/Jun/09
Rob , how tall do you think is possible as peak for him , 6'5 ?

Editor Rob
there is a chance for sure.
James said on 12/Jun/09
Yeah no way over 6'5. He'd look taller if he was skinnier
thick said on 4/Jun/09
An absolute mountain of a man.
Big King said on 28/May/09
He's really not over 6'5". He towered 2-3 inches over 6'2" Will Smith, so I think 6'4.5" is correct for avery.
James said on 20/May/09
6'5.5 out of bed at his peak maybe?
unknown said on 18/May/09
James Avery 6'5.5 peak...6 ft 4.5 in. now!
James said on 11/May/09
6'3.5 at the moment most likely
Ian said on 5/May/09
6ft 3 He is.
\\ -_-_-(Hugh)-_-_-/ said on 25/Feb/09
6ft5 peak, 6ft4 now.
T.J. said on 24/Feb/09
thanks for agreeing doug, id say your estimate is dead on
Doug said on 24/Feb/09
6 ft 4.5 in barefoot peak I could buy though. Looks as if he has lost about an inch now, and might I say a great deal of weight too, over 50 pounds today compared to Bel Air. He was around 320 pounds I'd estimate in Bel Air now may be 250.
Doug said on 24/Feb/09
Completely agree with T.J. He has at least 3 inches on Will Smith. Looked a good 6'5" to me and well over 300 pounds I'd imagine.
T.J. said on 19/Feb/09
Peak 6'5" currently 6'4.5", but I still wanna say he's 6'5"
T.J. said on 13/Feb/09
Maybe you should have compared his height with you mr. r.
I don't think that he's anything short of 6'4.5" nowadays, even though i still think he's 6'5"
Mr. R. said on 12/Feb/09
I saw James today at the golf tournament. He is definitely looking closer to 6-3 now.
T.J. said on 10/Feb/09
I say he's 6'5"
T.J. said on 3/Feb/09
i think he's 6'5".
Will Smith is 6'1"/6'2" and James always had at least 4 to 5 inches on him.
Poor Alfonzo. only 5'5" compare to all those tall people. lol
Anonymous said on 29/Jan/09
there was a scene last night where uncle phil walked into the pool house and his head nearly hit the top of the doorway, now, my dad is 6'6" and when he walks thru some doorways its about the same. so i think he is at least 6'6"
Danimal said on 27/Jan/09
Dan says on 25/Jan/09
I've heard claims of 6'5"

I've heard claims of 6'6" as well. In Fletch he WAS taller than minimum 6'4" Chevy Chase (this was mid 1980's).

Funny how Will Smith called him 6'3" and two fitty in one of the episodes of Fresh Prince, which is ridiculous, seeing Will Smith claims to be 6'2"-6'2.5". James had Will by 3-4" minimum and James was A LOT more than 250 pounds. He was closer to 300 pounds on the show.
Dan said on 25/Jan/09
I've heard claims of 6'5"
the shredder said on 7/Jan/09
Rob , go to 00:20 on this video ... how tall does Avery look next to 7'1 Kareem ?

Click Here

Editor Rob
tough, kareem kind of looking down a bit when shaking his hand.
Hugh said on 14/Dec/08
Will Smith 6ft2, Avery 6ft5.
lillo thomas said on 12/Dec/08
nope 6-3 James Avery would make Will 6-0 at best .
Lenad said on 11/Dec/08
The 6'3 would make Will Smith 6'1 at the most.
Big King said on 10/Nov/08
Yes, 192cm sounds good for Avery.
Stuart Cowie said on 17/Oct/08
6ft3 and a half is my guess
Big King said on 3/Oct/08
James may be a bit over 6'4" but he didn't seem really tall to me.
Mr. R said on 29/Jul/08
I stand by my eyewitness account of 6-3 at this point.
orlando said on 25/Jun/08
will smith is only 6 feet 1.5
Anonymous said on 23/Jun/08
a 6' 3" 300lb black dud with an AFRO isn't drawin attention to yourself
Hugh said on 25/May/08
I think Avery is 6ft4.5 and WIll is a legit 6ft2.
Domo said on 22/May/08
yo in fresh prince 1 episode, will says to philip "u sayin a 6'3'', 300 pound black male isnt drawin attention to yourself" therefore he's about 6ft3in
Hugh said on 12/Apr/08
I remember the two having a face off in one episode. They were both standing straight and Smith looked 2 inches shorter. So A legit 6ft5 for this guy and 6ft2.25-6ft2.5 for Will.
Anonymous said on 6/Apr/08
I think Will Smith is a flat 6ft and uses the 2 inch height increase rule when referring to his height. Tbh he never looks taller than 6'1" anyway, so his listing of 6'1.5" is i think off by atleast an inch

James Avery was over 3" taller than Will and was likely to be 6'3"-6'3.5" in the Fresh Prince: This is because they scripted that themselves in one episode. Think about it, they could only get that figure either from Avery telling them, or by measuring him! LOGIC
I do believe however that his peak height was 6'4"
the shredder said on 8/Mar/08
Rob , even though you do answer me you still unanswer ! ... What height do you think Avery is and how much do you think he has over Smith ?

Editor Rob
I am happy with their current listings...for the moment!
the shredder said on 25/Feb/08
Well , If James is 6'4.5 and Smith is 6'1.5 ... Then Alfonso is for sure 5'7 like Gago thinks ! ...

Click Here
the shredder said on 25/Feb/08
So , how much do you think he has over Smith ??? ... If he is only 6'3-6'4 then how is Smith over 6'1 ? ... Honestly !

pic here

Click Here

Editor Rob
if he's 6ft 4.5-5 then Smith still looks 6ft 1.5 or near enough that height. That other pic makes avery look taller. Although I just seen avery with tony monty who I give strong 178cm...
the shredder said on 25/Feb/08
Rob , did you look at the video I posted ??? ... What do yoiu think , 6'5.25 peak ??????????

Editor Rob
a good 3 inch, 3.5? Would need some of those straight on shots, the over shoulder ones ain't as good.
the shredder said on 25/Feb/08
Rob , you don't have to give him peak if you don't want to , but PLEASE tell me what height he seems to be next to Smith ! ... go to 00:27 on this video and stop it ! ... To me , If Smith is 6'1.5 , then Avery looks 6'5 - 6'5.5 range IMO !

Click Here
the shredder said on 25/Feb/08
Yea Rob , theres no doubt 6'5 peak , or even 6'5.5 ... He looked WAY WAY WAY bigger then Will Smith on the show and he was nearly 50 , overweight , and does not have good posture ! ... If Smith was really 6'2.5 , then Avery being closer to 6'6 would be likely ! ... This guy has an easy 3 - 3.5 inches over Will Smith just watch clips on youtube , I posted 1 on the Will Smith page that is good help !
the shredder said on 18/Feb/08
No PEAK height rob ? Do you think this was his peak height ?

Editor Rob
next time FP is on I might have a gander at him again.
the shredder said on 15/Feb/08
Rob , are you EVER going to give Avery a peak height ??? ... 6'5 ?
Anonymous said on 27/Jan/08
Yeah, I just seen that one where it says 6'3

Will smith would be around 6'1 maybe 6'2 at a stretch or with shoes on =)

James Avery is still tall all the same =P
LOOK UP TO THE TALL PEOPLE said on 22/Jan/08
Anonymous says on 8/Jan/08
It doesn't make sense to me that Avery is listed here at 6'4.5, when he was described on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as 6'3. They could have only logically got that information, either from James himself, or they could have measured him. When Will was describing him, the effect of the line was to bring attention to his size and the irony of Avery's prior comment to Will, so it is UNLIKELY he is taller than this.

anoynymous i agree with you on that one i remembered the fresh episode you are refering to when seeing this page on him. i think will is about 6'0.5. because next to will avery imo looks about 6'4.5, but i think based on that epuisode and his navy records i found on youtube he is actually 6'3 250 =)
jay cee said on 22/Jan/08
tori, i'm a 5'10 13 yr old black male and my 15 yr old girlfriend is real tall for a teenage girl, she is 5'9 and she is proud to be tall so u should be to...anyways james avery is real real tall on the movie "who's your caddy" he looks at least 6'3
Anonymous said on 20/Jan/08
I would say it's about right. Will Smith also used to wear Basketball shoes and he looks about 2 inches shorter than 6'4 Avery with basketball shoes on.
Nathan said on 12/Jan/08
Guys, a thing to consider. Some of you keep saying that Will Smith was only 6 foot half inch on the show and that in some shots avery was taller and some shots closer to wills height. Remember one thing, when Will started the series he was very young, he was somewhere about 20 and a lot of guys still grow at that age, I know I did. When he started the show I have seen where Will looks around 6 foot, then later in the series he is taller.
Anonymous said on 8/Jan/08
It doesn't make sense to me that Avery is listed here at 6'4.5, when he was described on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as 6'3. They could have only logically got that information, either from James himself, or they could have measured him. When Will was describing him, the effect of the line was to bring attention to his size and the irony of Avery's prior comment to Will, so it is UNLIKELY he is taller than this.
Ted said on 3/Nov/07
tori appreciate your height.
hang out with taller guys.
Adam Brennon said on 16/Oct/07
Consult a Taiwanese height surgeon.
archayus said on 6/Oct/07
cut off your feet
tori said on 19/Sep/07
im 5'10''. im a girl. i wanna be about 5'6''. any suggestions?! PLEASE HELP ME
lillo thomas said on 4/Sep/07
i think that that height(6-4.5) is his peak height. nowdays is closer to 6-4 flat or even less than that.
jamesb said on 3/Sep/07
james avey is 6'4.5, nobody say anything about that
lillo thomas said on 19/Aug/07
James Avery is about 3 inches taller than will smith. will is 6-2.5 in his dreams.
James said on 18/Aug/07
Will described him on the Fresh Prince once as being 6ft3, yet Will Smith claims he is 6ft2.5. Somehow I can see more than a 2 cm difference between him and uncle Phil lol
Matt Thomas said on 21/Jul/07
Dude anyone seen that episode where Will goes to the pool hall? How tall was that bum that was there he was even taller than avery whos usually the tallest on the show hopefully someone knows what im talking about
lillo thomas said on 14/Jul/07
i think that 6-4.5 is James Avery peak height . in fresh prince episodes he look 3-3.5 inches taller than 6-0.5 Will Smith in many shots. In others shots of course they use camera angle tricks to made the difference smaller between the two.In that shots the difference between the two look smaller about 2 inches.
supes78 said on 26/Jan/07
A few years ago, he was interviewed by Etertainment Tonight regarding his massive weight loss and he described himself as being 6'4". He could have been rounding down but he's always looked 6'4" to me.
Derek said on 26/Jan/07
James had Forest Whitaker by a minimum of 2", so 6'4" and change minimum today, and 6'5" during Fresh Prince.
the shredder said on 21/Dec/06
lol , in fresh prince he was decribed as " about 6'3 and 250 lbs " by .................... IM 6'2.5 WILL SMITH !

ok Will . James is more then 250 lbs , and if hes only 6'3 ? then your 6'0 max .
Jake said on 16/Apr/06
He always seemed to have been 6'4" - 6'4.5" years ago, 6'3" is a possible these days though.
Josh said on 3/Apr/06
Personally judging from watching an episode of Fresh Prince right now and knowing that Will Smith is 6'2, James Avery looks to be 6'4 from the side by side comparison between then two.
Link said on 20/Mar/06
ashton is 6'1 no taller, james is 6'4 ish, id say he might be 6'5 but more nearer the 6'4 mark personally from fresh prince episodes
Mr. R said on 20/Feb/06
I saw James Avery the other night at The Pan African Film Festival, and I agree with JB - at this point, Avery is 6-3. From looking at Fresh Prince, I do agree that he was over 6-4, but time and bulk have made him a little smaller.

Editor Rob
looked big in that tv show in 2004, but then since he was a klingon, it is possible he had larger boots...
tgri said on 13/Feb/06
if james avery is only 6'3 or 6'4 then will smith is not 6'2. i think hes more 6'4.5 or 6'5 cuase i can't see will being under 6'1 at his peak . iam still lost on alfonso . he looked about 5'7 next to will , but if you look at recent pics .. he is looking pretty short ' mm'.

Editor Rob
avery was on an episode of Enterprise last year. Even accounting for footwear, near John Billingsey (whom I'd met), he looked nearer 6ft 5 than 6ft 3...
JB said on 4/Jan/06
I actually met James Avery at LAX. He's a about 6'3". I'm 6'3.5" and I am taller than him.
C said on 19/Dec/05
In some shots, he looks about 4 inches taller than the 6'2'' Smith. However, I watched an episode (the one about Ashley's singing career) and James Avery looked only about 2 inches taller than Smith when they were standing really close to each other. I think that 6'4'' is about right.
EJ said on 18/Dec/05
Rob, how exactly did you arrive at 6 ft 4.5? Did he say so or is that your estimate?
joe said on 4/Dec/05
wow i thought that he was about 6'7''tall but a couple inches could miss understand but 2-3 inches can change.
Young Montana said on 11/Nov/05
There's an episode of That '70s Show with Ashton Kutcher and James Avery as cops and they were standing near each other by a cop car. Avery looked alot taller, like 3 inches than Ashton who is supposed to be 6-2. So Avery is more like 6-5.
James said on 17/Oct/05
No, James Avery was clearly about 2-3 inches taller than the 6'2" Will. When you guys see someone who's 3 inches taller than somebody, you make it taller than it seems. Im 5'8", and my boy Levar is only 5'5"(were both only 17) anyways, my friend is only 3 inches shorter, but the top of his head is around my eyes.

You have James Avery right on the dot Rob, he's about 6 ft.4.5, no more, no less.
EJ said on 6/Oct/05
On Fresh Prince, even though James Avery is bald while Will Smith (especially in earlier episodes) has that big, early 90s flat-top haircut, Avery still looks 3 inches taller. Will is probably rounding up his height a little, and Avery's probably 6'5".
Ball-A-Hallic said on 16/Jul/05
Probally always 6'4 or 6'4.5 cuz I've been watchin Fresh Prince on Nick at Nite lately n Avery seems 2 inches bigger but in some shots he looks 6'6 but I think hes 6'4.
Ball-A-Hallic said on 1/Jun/05
Yeah probally in his prime J.A, was 6'6 I think cause in Fresh Prince he looked atleast 4 inches bigger than Smith whos 6'2 I think but yea nowadays he's probally 6'5 or 6'4.5 so this is probally right
jrock said on 28/Mar/05
if will smith is 6ft 2in, then james avery has to be more like 6ft 6in.
something is off

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