AceShowbiz - Former "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star James Avery is infuriated by recent rumors of his untimely death - insisting the hoax "scared" his mother and harmed his career. The actor, best known for playing Will Smith's onscreen Uncle Phil in the 1990s TV show, became the latest star targeted by online pranksters when fake stories about his passing appeared on the web on Sunday, June 6.

Avery, 61, has since confirmed he is alive and well, but admits the prank made him angry. He tells CNN.com, "Did you see that on Twitter? I don't even know where it came from. P**sed me off, I know that. I mean, really, they're going to take away what little career I have left. My mother was scared. See, I don't understand this whole Twitter, Facebook stuff. I don't get it. Make a phone call. Talk to somebody."

Other stars who have been targeted by online death hoaxers recently include Tom Cruise, Jeff Goldblum and Bobby Brown.