Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 2 hrs ago
Tatyana Ali honors James Avery with ‘Dancing With the Stars’ tribute
Tatyana Ali dedicated her “Dancing With the Stars” performance to James Avery, who played her father on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Ali danced with professional partner Jan Ravnik, and former co-star Alfonso Ribeiro joined the tribute during rehearsals.
Ali said Avery was a father figure and teacher who encouraged her as an artist.
She sang “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” during their Viennese waltz, and said the costume and other details were chosen with Avery in mind.
The performance earned 32 out of 40 points from the judges.
Avery died in 2013 from complications after open-heart surgery.
Tatyana Ali dedicated her “Dancing With the Stars” performance to her late “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-star James Avery.
Ali and professional dancer Jan Ravnik performed a Viennese waltz to Nancy Wilson’s “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,” with Ali singing.
Former co-star Alfonso Ribeiro joined them in rehearsal and took part in the tribute.
The pair received 32 out of 40 points from the judges.
Avery, who played Ali’s on-screen father, died in 2013.
- Who
- Tatyana Ali, professional dancer Jan Ravnik and former co-star Alfonso Ribeiro.
- What
- Ali dedicated a Viennese waltz to James Avery on “Dancing With the Stars.
- When
- Tuesday’s episode. The article was published on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- On “Dancing With the Stars.
- Why
- Ali said Avery was a father figure and teacher to her, and that she wanted to honor him.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
James Avery died from complications after open heart surgery.
Ali shared memories of Avery on Instagram.
Ali and Ravnik performed the tribute, with Ribeiro joining them in rehearsals.
Ali and Ravnik received a score of 32 out of 40.
- Performance
- Viennese waltz to “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson
- Dance partner
- Jan Ravnik
- Guest in rehearsals
- Alfonso Ribeiro
- Score
- 32 out of 40
- James Avery
- Died December 31, 2013
What people are saying
He was very much a father figure for all of us
I loved him a lot
James was the most lovable, charismatic, intelligent person, and he was a very important part of our lives
an opportunity to say ‘thank you’