James Avery has passed away

[prophecy718]

:( rest in peace

[Candy Kappa]

Source?

All I find is the 2010 hoax

[prophecy718]

@alfonso_ribeiro: James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly. http://t.co/Qtpk5Lf6Ek

[TigerClaw]

RIP, For many of us here, He will always be remembered as the original voice of the Shredder.

[turtletoons81]

sad that he had to undergo a surgery in the middle of new years eve since he had an illness...suck's he never said anything what he wished for 2014 to become...but it's nice he spend one great final day for 2013.

[Vicky82]

RIP James Avery he also did the voice of the Shaman in the Gargoyles episode Walkabout

[NiNi]

I just found out about this and am sad of his passing.

RIP, James Avery.

[ZariusTwo]

Oh dear. Not the best way to kick off an anniversary year losing the talent behind a memorable interpretation of ol' tin grin

[The Turtle Terminator]

RIP James:tcry::tcry:. He was the best voice of Shredder in all TMNT media. He'll be missed sadly as Uncle Phil

My condolences to all his family and friends

[The Fifth Turtle]

RIP chrome dome.:tsad:

[Heather Breckel]

Super sad! I knew him best as Shredder and Uncle Phil.

[CyberCubed]

Did he die in 2013 or 2014?

What a shame. The original voice for Shredder is still the best after all these years.

[ironman29758]

RIP James Avery. I will remember him as one of my favorite voices of Shredder and Uncle Phil. He always brought laughter into my heart.

[cammy85]

RIP James Avery. :( You rocked as Shredder and Uncle Phil!!

[Chris]

RIP James Avery

[MikeandRaph87]

Here is the unfortunate source...
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/01/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/james-avery-obit/

He is the first of the cast to die. He just had a 65th birthday if I am not mistaken. What was the cause of death? Today we begin the year without The Shredder. I wanted to hear his voice on the Nicktoon so bad. *sigh* A classical actor and true gentleman. He will be missed. A plaque should be placed in his honor on the website he created.

[Raph]

Just read this, this really saddens me. He was a great man, and a wonderfull voice actor. Shredder forever. My condoleances to his family, friends, fans and fellow voice actors.

R.I.P James Avery (November 27, 1948 - December 31, 2013)
http://members.ziggo.nl/rutgergret/James%20Avery.jpg

[GodzFire]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Shredder :-(

Seriously, this makes me very sad. He was too young to leave us.

[TMNTFan9000]

Well it seems The Shredder has unfortunately been finally shredded. RIP James Avery. You were awesome as Uncle Phil and Shredder. Sad day for not just fans of the 87 show but for every Turtles fan. Avery was and always will be one true the Shredder (And that's not a knock against other Shredders I'm just referencing the line often uttered by his 2003 counterpart if you're confused). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBv8TPRcJJM

[alliance]

R.I.P. to our beautiful shredder...

[Stingray69]

R.I.p. James

[Vicky82]

Looking on Twitter i'm surprised that a lot of people didn't know James Avery did the voice of Shredder.

[Cowabungawolf89]

That sucks. That's the first celebrity death of the new year and the exact first day of the new year :(. I was also having a TMNT 1987 cartoon marathon and now I hear this. R.I.P. James Avery, you were awesome as The Shredder and awesome as Uncle Phil from Fresh Prince of Bell-Air

[U2WaTCHer]

I am so sad to see James Avery die. His voice as the original shredder was a part of my childhood I always looked forward to his episodes until the end. R.I.P

[LeotheLateBloomer]

I just found out about this now. I am very unhappy that this happened. I was hoping there would be some type of reunion with the VA of the 87, 03, and 12 toons. It just wouldn't be the same without the original Shredder. James Avery was a really talented man that could play the role of an evil villain to a loving parent. He truly was a one of a kind actor.

R.I.P. James Avery, Uncle Phil, and Oroku Saki.:cry:

[Prowler]

He's still my favorite Shredder VA after all these years. I also loved him as Uncle Phil in The Fresh Prince.

What a crappy way to start 2014 :(

RIP

[MST3KFan]

Another actor that was part of my childhood memories passing...and to find out its the original TMNT Shredder makes it even worse since TMNT was my life as a child for many years.

Not a good start to the new year. I still picture his voice anytime I envision the Shredder in TMNT. Depressing to know we'll never have a reunion special or anything with him around again. It just won't feel complete.

Rest in Peace, Uncle Phil.

[kelligrafie]

Apparently the cause of death was complications after/during open heart surgery according to TMZ.

Bye bye to a great kitchen utensil.

[BigApple3AM]

RIP Mr. Avery, you were truly a talent.

I recommend reading interviews/background about the guy. He was really a fascinating dude, I remember reading about how he sort of fell into acting after being in the military. He will always be the voice of Shredder to me, and also Uncle Phil. :tcry:

[prophecy718]

btw, when is the turtle documentary coming out?

[Seeks]

Goodnight, Shredder. :shredder:

[TMNTFan9000]

Here's a few reactions from some of his fellow Turtles cast members. You can tell just by reading these how much he meant to them and how much of a true impact he had on people:

Townsend Coleman (Michelangelo, 1987 TMNT)

Oh my goodness... worked for 10 years with this dear man as Master Shredder on the original TMNT... what a huge loss for family, friends, co-workers and fans! Terribly saddened to hear of James' passing... wow.

Rob Paulsen (Raphael, 1987 TMNT/Donatello 2012 TMNT)

So very sad to hear of the passing of James Avery. Our original Shredder and a good friend. R.I.P.

[TurtleTitan97]

:tcry:Wow. I literally have no words to say about this. I'll always respect him for his role as both Shredder and Uncle Phil. Rest in peace, James.:tcry:

[victory_angel]

Farewell Shredhead!

[turtlefan1]

on this day the shredder finally fell farwell james avery you battles with spilnter and the turtles, you creepy firlting with one ace reporter from channel six and your banter with the alien overlord of demision x will never be forgotten

goodbye to one of the greatest villians of all time r.i.p.

[RaphAndDonnie]

Sad to hear this news. :(

[Pterobat]

Damn, that's something...

And I was just watching some OT yesterday, too.

Rest Well.

[JoshDA7X]

RIP :( he was a great voice actor/actor!

[Raph's Girl]

What a way to start a new year!! Geesh!! Bye bye Uncle Phil and Ole Shredhead! :cry:

[Jay $tarkiller]

Uncle Phil:tcry::tcry::tcry:

Rip James Avery, you're a huge part of my happy childhood memories

[Jester]

Man...that sucks.

Thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[CyberCubed]

James Avery's Shredder was such an iconic and well done voice. He could make Shredder sound threatening and evil in one moment and then make him silly and comedic in other moments.

It's obvious none of the replacement VA's For Shredder in the OT could capture that level of shredder's character. It's also a more memorable voice than 4kids and Nick shredder for that matter.

Anyone know if Pat Fraley commented on this?

[Jester]

Via facebook:
Sad news, indeed. James was an interesting man and friend.

EDIT Also:
Oh my goodness... worked for 10 years with this dear man as Master Shredder on the original TMNT... what a huge loss for family, friends, co-workers and fans! Terribly saddened to hear of James' passing... wow.
TMNT Nemesis, terrific actor and a good friend to a buncha' young actors. Rest in peace, brother.
Rest in Peace, Shred-head. :(

[Colonel Schrader]

RIP Master Shredder.. :tcry:

[Ioz]

R.I.P. He was my favorite Shredder voice.

[CyberCubed]

Now I know how Simpsons fans felt when Edna's VA died.

Our childhood favorites are slowly going away.

[Gin Rummy]

RIP. So sad. 65 is far too young. Prayers to his family.

[GodzFire]

Now I know how Simpsons fans felt when Edna's VA died.

Our childhood favorites are slowly going away.

Not exactly a proper comparison. It would more be akin to Marge or Lisa's VA dying.

[BubblyShell22]

Saw this on Yahoo today. So sad to hear of James's passing. He was definitely a great Shredder and did a great job as Uncle Phil. He will definitely be missed. My condolences go out to his family, friends, co-workers, and all of his other fans. Such a sad way to open up the year. R.I.P., James. You'll be missed and will always be remembered.

[Jester]

Not exactly a proper comparison. It would more be akin to Marge or Lisa's VA dying.
I'd have gone with SKINNER!!!!

[Blossombrooks]

This is so sad, really sorry to hear this. RIP Mr Avery, you gave us all a lot of good tv memories.

[CyberCubed]

I'm going through the major news sites now and they all mention him playing Uncle Phil but only a few of them even mention that he was the Shredder.

You would think playing the most iconic villain of the most popular cartoon franchise in the 80's and 90's would be brought up in his roles. Goes to show you how these news sites treat animation as inferior to live roles.

[MikeandRaph87]

I posted the news to Peter Laird on his Blogspot and this is what he had to say:
"I just heard about his passing, too. No, I never met the man, but I have to say he did a great Shredder voice. I'm glad the TMNT documentary crew were able to interview him a year or two ago. -- PL"

He also dedicated a blog entry to it to follow it up.

http://peterlairdstmntblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/james-avery-1948-2013.html

[Powder]

What a terrible shame. He was a great talent & charming man, one who had a great passion for his work and it showed in every role. He will be missed immensely...

Strangely, he was in my dream last night.

sad that he had to undergo a surgery in the middle of new years eve since he had an illness...suck's he never said anything what he wished for 2014 to become...but it's nice he spend one great final day for 2013.

One great final day is being cut open and dying as a result of it? Have some f*cking respect.

[Candy Kappa]

My thoughts goes to his family.

[kelligrafie]

Not exactly a proper comparison. It would more be akin to Marge or Lisa's VA dying.
I'd have gone with SKINNER!!!!

We're making comparisons on how upset people 'should' be over the death of a voice actor depending on how much air time their character had...

[pannoni1]

I've never been more saddened by the passing of someone who merely voiced an animated character until today. Last night I was thinking how Billy Joel would soon turn 65 and he was still having the a great time wowing fans even if he hadn't had an album in 20 years. I was never aware that he voiced Shredder until 2010 with Turtles Forever, even if I didn't notice the Uncle Phil similarities. I did watch some clips of the OT yesterday, and although Kevin Michael Richardson does a good job as Shredder in the current series and has a similar persona to Mr. Avery, we'll never quite experience the magic that he lifted off of the scripts to give his famous insults, Krang banter, and gags with the Turtles. RIP James Avery. :tcry:

[TheCanadiandrome]

RIP to uncle Phil and The Shredder

[Dirty Blond]

Looking on Twitter i'm surprised that a lot of people didn't know James Avery did the voice of Shredder.

It's hard to tell behind that metal mask.

[prophecy718]

There was actually an episode of the fresh prince where they made subtle hints of him being shredder lol...If I remember correctly, there was this one episode where uncle Phil's mouth was behind a metal object and he had a big fork too..it was very subtle but at the time, i was like "wait a minute,that voice sounds very familiar"... If only I can remember which exact episode was that.

[Dirty Blond]

There was actually an episode of the fresh prince where they made subtle hints of him being shredder lol...If I remember correctly, there was this one episode where uncle Phil's mouth was behind a metal object and he had a big fork too..it was very subtle but at the time, i was like "wait a minute,that voice sounds very familiar"... If only I can remember which exact episode was that.

That's pretty clever.

[TigerClaw]

I remember finding about James Avery being the voice of the Shredder through the Fresh Prince when I used to watch it many years ago, When I heard his voice, I thought it sounded familiar, Then I went to look up his name, And that's when I found out he was the voice.

[NinjaPug]

I watched the OT and Fresh Prince when I was younger and didn't realize Uncle Phil was the voice of Shredder until I was much older and someone pointed it out to me. Had no clue at the time.

[TigerClaw]

Here's video of an Interview he did talking about TMNT.

DnVhQrNTQgY#t=75

[Dirty Blond]

I'm sure most of us have seen it, but someone made a pretty good mashup of Uncle Phil and Shredder. I would embed, but I'm on my phone and at a bar. Just look up "Fresh Prince of Shred-Air" on YouTube.

[Logan]

The Shredder has been shredded.

Bummer. Loved that gravely, shrill voice that he gave the character.

"Tonight I dine on turtle soup."

[Icebot]

Very sad news to hear. He was one of the best voice actors of Shredder. RIP James Avery.

[Garfield]

Sadness. :(

[DONATELLO DUZMACHINES]

Very sad. Great actor as well as voice actor.

[NYShell]

RIP James Avery. Thank you for making our childhoods memorable.

The Shredder is shredded.

[ctt4lfecw]

My favorite Shredder OT moment is when he threw a fit when Krang told him to not finish off the Turtles when he had them beat. "I won't! I won't! I won't!" lol James Avery forever!

[Canadian Turtle]

Just a few moments we would like to share in memory of James Avery.

https://vimeo.com/83198306

[Desslok]

Thanks for sharing that, he always seemed like such a wonderful human being. I have to admit I did tear up a bit.

RIP Shred-head.

[snake]

R.I.P James, you were an amazing shredder.

[Casey]

I just watched the OT where Shredder was banished to Dimension X moments before hearing this news. It is such a morbid coincidence.

[blindturtle02]

Heard this earlier today when I talked to my mom. She even asked me if I was ok after informing me. I still remember the very first Turtles episode I saw back in Spring of 1990. It was April Foolish-- at least that's the title my BK video went with. Hadn't gotten the action figure yet as my birthday was months away but I can remember thinking what a great villain this was. Can't recall when I made the conection between Uncle Phil and Shredder but I'm sure it was pretty early on since my mom watched Prince from the beginning. I wish I could have gotten to meet him and tell him thanks for being such a memorable and wonderful part of my childhood. RIP Mr. Avery. See you in the clearing at the end of the path some day.

[Shark_Blade]

Oh dear, this is so sad. :cry:

[TheBlueTurtle1]

Sad news, he was a class act. RIP:(

[dudeabides]

Such a bummer he was well liked by all and brought us such good times.

[SS Kakarot]

Sad way to start the new year. He will be missed. :(

[JakeSully]

Damn, RIP Shredder and Kiba Diaoh aka Fang on Fist of the North Star.

Anyone here remember that anime movie?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U1UzLFSu-M

[raphmike]

james did real good voice over of tmnt shredder 1985. rip his family in my
prayer.

[Zachatello00]

prayers and thoughts for his family and loved ones. This is truly sad news.

[kelligrafie]

A lot of folk on here are shocked that everyone didn't know he was Shredder but I'm not surprised.

Unless you were really into a certain cartoon or film trivia/voice actors in general, you probably wouldn't bother to find out the person behind the character.

And while TMNT is an incredible franchise spanning 30 years, it's had many reboots, each with different voice actors that mean something to different fans.

There was only one Uncle Phil.

[pferreira]

Rest in Peace James Avery. Not only the best uncle Bel Air ever had but the best Shredder there ever was. There goes part of my childhood. He will be missed. :tcry:

[Bakushan]

RIP James... you were a man of many talents.

[tiesawn]

I am glad that he is gone. He didn't add anything to the Ninja Turtles legacy or history anyways. Good riddance!

[Bakushan]

I am glad that he is gone. He didn't add anything to the Ninja Turtles legacy or history anyways. Good riddance!

Dont be a troll dude. What did he ever do wrong to you?

[tiesawn]

Dont be a troll dude. What did he ever do wrong to you?

I refuse to be polite. Stop white knighting dead James Avery. Fact is he sucked and now we can move on from cheesy Shredder. If you liked James Avery you are stupid.

[Gwydion]

Just a few moments we would like to share in memory of James Avery.

https://vimeo.com/83198306

Thanks for sharing! I was very sad to hear the news, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He'll always be Shredder to me.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I refuse to be polite. Stop white knighting dead James Avery. Fact is he sucked and now we can move on from cheesy Shredder. If you liked James Avery you are stupid.

You didn't answer his question. What has he ever done wrong to you?

[TurtleTitan97]

If you liked James Avery you are stupid.

And you are a big insensitive jerk.:tmad:

Seriously, why don't you go take your trolling elsewhere.:trolleye:

Just a few moments we would like to share in memory of James Avery.

https://vimeo.com/83198306

Thank you so much for sharing this! :D

[prophecy718]

Just watch this clip lol

http://youtu.be/Bw95DZvfsFM

[Bakushan]

I refuse to be polite. Stop white knighting dead James Avery. Fact is he sucked and now we can move on from cheesy Shredder. If you liked James Avery you are stupid.

Oh my gosh dude. You cant be serious!!!

You cant judge a man by his VOICE WORK in a CARTOON SHOW. Thats not the legacy of who he was! He had a family... people he worked with... lives he touched. He was a human being.

Forget TMNT... a man lost his life. That is never a cause for celebration. Have a heart!

[Gyt Kaliba]

I'd say it's safe to completely ignore tiesawn. Join date may say August of last year (and how weird it is to say that about 2013), but only two posts and both are here just to be an asshat about the death of an actor? Most unworthy trolling I've ever seen.

That aside, this was a terrible thing for me to read as I got online for the first time in this new year. Definitely taints the rest of my day and probably will last a good while longer too. :( The man was a huge part of my childhood in both of his most iconic roles, and it's just really hard to think about the fact that he's not around anymore. Just on the Uncle Phil side, and a large part of this praise has to go towards Will Smith too, but it doesn't matter if I've just come off being really happy - I tear up EVERY TIME I see the scene between the two about why Will's father doesn't want him. It's just...heart-wrenching. Really good acting from both of them there.

Godspeed Mr. Avery. I know you'll be tossing Jazz out of your mansion so you can relax and eat your Turtle Soup in heaven now.

[tiesawn]

I can judge whoever I want. But I am serious that James Avery is just a flash in the pan. Just because he has a family doesn't mean I wasn't jealous of him. I'm jealous of Jared. So I take it personally. I don't give a damn if you're a Shredder fanboy. I thought the members of Technodrome were tougher than ganging up like the other TMNT forum. You're taking this Turtle fandom too far. The man's dead so you arguing over his DEAD body is futile. I don't have to get lost until I am banned off the Technodrome. So leave me alone if you don't like my opinion. I hate James Avery and I'm turning on anyone of you Avery Shredder fans. Deal with it!

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I can judge whoever I want. But I am serious that James Avery is just a flash in the pan. Just because he has a family doesn't mean I wasn't jealous of him. I'm jealous of Jared. So I take it personally. I don't give a damn if you're a Shredder fanboy. I thought the members of Technodrome were tougher than ganging up like the other TMNT forum. You're taking this Turtle fandom too far. The man's dead so you arguing over his DEAD body is futile. I don't have to get lost until I am banned off the Technodrome. So leave me alone if you don't like my opinion. I hate James Avery and I'm turning on anyone of you Avery Shredder fans. Deal with it!

It's the fact that an actor has died and all you can say is "I am glad that he is gone. He didn't add anything to the Ninja Turtles legacy or history anyways. Good riddance!" It makes you come across as an heartless imbecile. THAT's what we are "ganging up" on you for.

[Gyt Kaliba]

There is no ganging up, only a calling out for being a jerk. And again, you seriously expect to be taken seriously, inflamatory opinion and manner of expressing it or no, when literally every single post of yours is about that? Right...

[Ville Leskinen]

I can judge whoever I want. But I am serious that James Avery is just a flash in the pan. Just because he has a family doesn't mean I wasn't jealous of him. I'm jealous of Jared. So I take it personally. I don't give a damn if you're a Shredder fanboy. I thought the members of Technodrome were tougher than ganging up like the other TMNT forum. You're taking this Turtle fandom too far. The man's dead so you arguing over his DEAD body is futile. I don't have to get lost until I am banned off the Technodrome. So leave me alone if you don't like my opinion. I hate James Avery and I'm turning on anyone of you Avery Shredder fans. Deal with it!

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen...

[Bakushan]

It's the fact that an actor has died and all you can say is "I am glad that he is gone. He didn't add anything to the Ninja Turtles legacy or history anyways. Good riddance!" It makes you come across as an heartless imbecile. THAT's what we are "ganging up" on you for.

110% Agreed. :nod:

[Walkabout]

Troll much?

Far out :ohwell:

Sad to hear James Avery has passed on, his work as Shredder and Uncle Phil was very entertaining!

RIP

[Type 97 Chi-ha]

This is sad news. RIP. :cry:

[MikeandRaph87]

The guy was just upset because he lost out to James Avery in the Shredder audition.

James Avery made The Shredder the favorite version of my favorite villian. One of two villian voices that make me smil as silly as it sounds and the first person I could ever put a voice to a face. Due to his contirbute to my childhood and being the first of the cast to pass let this little two song tribute be deidcated to James Avery.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1yqo5_don-henley-the-end-of-the-innocence_music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOQ4pkUAFbA

[Aaronardo]

Wait, WHAT? I thought this was a troll thread... but MAN have I been out of it!

Man, no words can express my sorrow for seeing this great man go. He had real talent and will always have a special place in my heart.

Rest well, Mr. Avery. Rest well.

[Hamato Yoshi]

Now he's throwing punks that don't belong in Heaven out the pearly gates , like he did with Jazz :D

RIP big guy :cry:

[Jester]

Saw a this image on Youtube as a preview for a video....added the caption.
https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1521871_528598034052_842104182_n.jpg

[Gyt Kaliba]

Just came across this and hopefully nobody will find it in poor taste - I see it as a rather fitting tribute myself, and I'd bet Mr. Avery would want us to to be able to smile when we think of him even more than focusing on our sorrow. So with that in mind...

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/247/f/0/uncle_phil_is_the_shredder_by_dadahyena-d48ul78.jpg

[Jester]

I loled. :D

[Candy Kappa]

That's an amazing tribute image.

[Filespit]

RIP Mr. Avery! Sad you had to leave us already!

Personally I'll remember him most for Uncle Phil, since I watched the swedish dub of the cartoon as a kid. I actually had no idea he voiced Shredder until a couple of years ago, so imagine my surprise when I found out that "Uncle Phil" was also the Shredder. Anyway, he'll be missed!

[Candy Kappa]

RIP Mr. Avery! Sad you had to leave us already!

Personally I'll remember him most for Uncle Phil, since I watched the swedish dub of the cartoon as a kid. I actually had no idea he voiced Shredder until a couple of years ago, so imagine my surprise when I found out that "Uncle Phil" was also the Shredder. Anyway, he'll be missed!

Similar situation, didn't find out until I saw season 1 for the first time in English when I had a proper internet accessibility.

Fresh prince is still re-running here in Norway.

[Gyt Kaliba]

I think TBS still regularly shows Fresh Prince often enough here in the US, I want to say I actually caught it on earlier in the day sometime in December. Hopefully they'll have a few marathons as tribute.

Actually...I'd hate to think he'd have anything less than good to say, but I know the actors for Carlton, Ashley, and one of them for the mom on there have made statements about Avery's passing. Has Will Smith said anything that we know of?

[Type 97 Chi-ha]

I loved both tribute images! :D

[Luke795]

How old are the other voice actors?

[Aaronardo]

How old are the other voice actors?

Around the same age Avery was.

[Jester]

How old are the other voice actors?
Pat Fraley - 64
Renae Jacobs - 56
Rob Paulsen - 57
Cam Clarke - 56
Barry Gordon - 65
Peter Reneday - 78
Townsend Coleman - 59

[CyberCubed]

Peter Reneday is 78? He'll probably be next to go. Imagine losing Splinter right after Shredder.

[Coola Yagami]

Peter Reneday is 78? He'll probably be next to go. Imagine losing Splinter right after Shredder.

Whoa dude.... that's kinda morbid to say.... Yeah, you could be right due to age... but too soon man.

What else can I saw but I was left speechless. He did an awesome job as Shredder, someone who really was evil and dastardly... but unable to pull it off right since he was trapped in a kiddy cartoon show. LOL I did like Uncle Phil on Fresh Prince, but his performance as Shredder will always stay with me.

I still remember him guest starring in an ep of Family Matters. It was like an OOC post-credits moment. He just walked on stage and got to laugh it off with Carl Winslow for a few moments.

[MikeandRaph87]

Cubed asked about a statement from Will Smith, not Will himself but his wife made a statement as follows,"Jada used her Facebook page to post her reaction to the sad news.

"Happy New Year everyone! I was hoping to start the new year differently but we have lost yet another friend. James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince has passed," she said.

"Our condolences to aunt Florence (his mother), Miss Barbara (his wife) and all those who loved him. Rest in peace James."

[Mr._Mutant_Man]

Whoa dude.... that's kinda morbid to say.... Yeah, you could be right due to age... but too soon man.


Who knows? Maybe he's a healthy 78.

[Shark_Blade]

Peter Reneday is 78? He'll probably be next to go. Imagine losing Splinter right after Shredder.
... can you be anymore insensitive? :tmad:

Anyone, young or old, can die anytime. Don't just simply state people will die just because of his/her age.

[Halfshell]

Here is the unfortunate source...
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/01/showbiz/celebrity-news-gossip/james-avery-obit/

He is the first of the cast to die. He just had a 65th birthday if I am not mistaken. What was the cause of death? Today we begin the year without The Shredder. I wanted to hear his voice on the Nicktoon so bad. *sigh* A classical actor and true gentleman. He will be missed. A plaque should be placed in his honor on the website he created.

We lost Tony Jay, voice of Lord Dregg in 2006.

[Halfshell]

... can you be anymore insensitive? :tmad:

Anyone, young or old, can die anytime. Don't just simply state people will die just because of his/her age.

Lost Mako, the voice of Splinter, the 2007 CGI movie in 2007.

[Jester]

We lost Tony Jay, voice of Lord Dregg in 2006.

Lost Mako, the voice of Splinter, the 2007 CGI movie in 2007.
Um...ok....

[Pterobat]

Peter Reneday is 78? He'll probably be next to go. Imagine losing Splinter right after Shredder.

Waugh. D:

Well....

[TMNT_2010]

Just found out about this and I didn't think it would actually make me sad, but it feels like a piece of my childhood died with him. I grew up watching the original show and he is the definite voice of Shredder for me. Even when I watch the show I stop after season 6 since I don't like the episodes where he doesn't voice the Shredder.

I'll probably watch the show again as a sort of tribute. I saw a 80s movie the other day called Licence to drive and the he played a driving instructor in the movie. Funny thing is that he was so young that I didn't even recognize him but I knew it was him once he started talking because of his iconic voice.

As much as it sucks we might have to prepare ourselves, all the actors we love from our childhood will die before us and with them goes our great childhood memories.

[Desslok]

Was watching through some videos and came across this one, Uncle Phil goes into Shredder mode big time. :lol:

LqPbEOKzzUA

Good times. Thanks again for the memories, Mr. Avery.

[CyberCubed]

Amazing video. He was practically using his Shredder voice there.

[Hamato Yoshi]

Age isn't always a factor when it comes to death (for example Eli Wallach is 98 )

[Aaronardo]

/snip/

That's probably my favorite Uncle Phil moment :P

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I knew that tiesawn would get banned.

[The Turtle Terminator]

Wish he was alive. Would've loved to see him in 2012 toon

[Bad Guys Lover]

R.I.P. James Avery... :cry:

A beautiful tribute I found on DA:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/SHREDDER-In-Memory-of-James-Avery-424029822
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/002/1/2/shredder__in_memory_of_james_avery_by_amirkameron-d70gfi6.jpg

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

R.I.P. James Avery... :cry:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/SHREDDER-In-Memory-of-James-Avery-424029822
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2014/002/1/2/shredder__in_memory_of_james_avery_by_amirkameron-d70gfi6.jpg

Very nice!

[Gyt Kaliba]

It's still sad to think about this, but I am loving the creativity it's bringing out in the form of tribute pictures. It really makes me smile.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

Was watching through some videos and came across this one, Uncle Phil goes into Shredder mode big time. :lol:

LqPbEOKzzUA

Good times. Thanks again for the memories, Mr. Avery.

That's just so awesome. The only way it could be better is if he said 'Turtles' or 'Krang'.

[Jephael]

This is truly sad turn of events. Some of my favorite lines from the cartoon were spoken by him. I always wished they had done an episode where Shredder met Mondo Gecko or Mona Lisa.

[DonatelloNinja82]

I heard about this the other day...I'm so sad to hear this :(

[Jester]

Just ran through mu Roku for James Avery creidts (Irony?) TMNT nowhere to be found :( but The anthology series Amazing Stories did, with an episode called Hell Toupee. Watching now.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Nice art piece Bad Guy Lover

[SparkyMarky644]

I was really upset when I heard that he died. As for me he is the Shredder that I always think of and I have been a fan of his my whole life (Fresh Prince/Turtles).

[arizvega]

Rest In Peace....

[ticktack]

R.I.P. :tcry:

[Bad Guys Lover]

Nice art piece Bad Guy Lover
It really is. It`s not mine, I found it on deviantART, I forgot to mention that.

[Hamato Yoshi]

Sparks was underrated show......

[Bill]

We will miss you Uncle Phil!

[Davetello]

Yep, heard about this over the holiday period. RIP James.

[Krang100]

Is too bad to learn about it. James Avery was an excellent actor, known as Uncle Philip in Fresh Prince as well, the Shredder in the original cartoon. RIP mister Avery.

[Eiko]

Let's not forget he was also in star trek RIP mate.

[Jester]

Most people try to forget Enterprise.

[magidkaiser]

:tsad::tsad::tsad::tsad:

[1987]

R.I.P. James "Shredder" Avery. you will be missed but never forgotten. i will always think of you as the one true voice of shredder.

[ScrewtheMirageTMNT]

To me this is the worst celeb death of the year. I hope his soul is in a good place. :(

[Gentleman Octopus]

The most memorable Shredder ever!

And I will forever have this song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1bcpLVYJs8) stuck in my head, thanks to James Avery (and waxonator, mind).

[Munk]

So very sad :tcry:

[erik]

I'm glad he was able to be interviewed for the Turtle Documentry, before his death. I noticed how skinny he looked -- I have to wonder how long ago the footage was taken, before he passed away.

[Powder]

I thiiiink it was shot in 2009.

[CyberCubed]

James Avery also has an interview on the Season 5 Lionsgate DVD.

[Munk]

He was a fantastic Shredder. He had that menacing voice down pat.

[MikeandRaph87]

I'm glad he was able to be interviewed for the Turtle Documentry, before his death. I noticed how skinny he looked -- I have to wonder how long ago the footage was taken, before he passed away.

James's voice for Shredder makes a strong arguement that Shredder was a threat not just an inept wannabe that he is critized for being. James played him as a capable threat in a world he was restricted in due to tone and censors. Without that restraint just imagine James Avery's Shredder could have pulled off on his own and with KrangKs resources! Where is the twitter hashtag for badass when you need it?

[Luke795]

James Avery also has an interview on the Season 5 Lionsgate DVD.

Actually, it is on the Season 4 DVD set.

[DarkFell]

James Avery made a wonderful Shredder and I am grateful that he got the opportunity to 'play the part' and entertain us as children and as adults.

[THGhost]

Only just seen this thread. But obviously I've known about his passing since it happened. He was a great actor and my favourite Shredder. May he rest in piece.

James Avery also has an interview on the Season 5 Lionsgate DVD.

Actually, it is on the Season 4 DVD set.

Even now people are still confused about what DVD set holds what. :P You're right though, it is the season 4 set.