'All My Children' Actor Paul Avery and Wife Sheila Avery Die in New Jersey House Fire
Firefighters entered the burning home and found Paul Avery and Sheila Avery unconscious. Both were given CPR after being rescued but later died from their injuries. Officials said the blaze was brought under control shortly after 1 a.m., while investigators continue to determine what caused the fire.
Paul Avery, the actor best known for portraying bartender Hughie on the long-running soap opera All My Children, and his wife, Sheila Avery, have died following a house fire at their home in Blairstown, New Jersey. Avery was 81. Authorities said the fire broke out in the early hours of June 16, and the cause remains under investigation. According to New Jersey authorities and local reports, emergency responders were called to the Avery residence shortly before 1 a.m. after receiving reports of a residential fire with possible entrapment.
Firefighters entered the burning home and found Paul and Sheila Avery unconscious. Both were given CPR after being rescued but later died from their injuries. Officials said the blaze was brought under control shortly after 1 a.m., while investigators continue to determine what caused the fire. At this stage, no cause has been publicly identified. James Burrows Dies: Director of Classic TV Comedies Including ‘Cheers’ and ‘Friends’ Passes Away at 85.
Family Confirms the Tragedy
The couple's daughter, Kyle Avery, confirmed the deaths in a heartfelt social media post, thanking the Blairstown Fire Department for its rescue efforts and saying funeral arrangements would be announced later.
Friends and members of the local community have also paid tribute to the couple, remembering them for their warmth, generosity and years of public service. Iconic Hollywood Actor Robert Duvall Dies: Know About His Life and Movies.
Career Spanning Television and Journalism
Paul Avery began acting in the 1970s and built a career across television, film and advertising. He was best known for playing Hughie, the bartender at Foxy's, on All My Children, a role he held for 12 years.
In addition to his soap opera work, Avery appeared in the 1978 film Superman as a television cameraman and featured in television series including Three's Company, Soap and Tales from the Darkside. Throughout his acting career, he also appeared in more than 300 television commercials.
Away from acting, Avery enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism. He worked as a reporter and editor for several New Jersey publications before becoming the founding executive editor of the Ridge View Echo. He also served on the Blairstown Township Committee and remained active in local civic organizations.
According to reports, Avery stepped away from public life in 2018 to become Sheila's full-time caregiver after she suffered a stroke. Authorities have not released the cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing. Paul Avery is remembered for his decades-long contributions to television, journalism and community service, while family and friends continue to mourn the loss of both him and Sheila Avery.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2026 08:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
