"Paul Avery, actor known for his role on the soap opera All My Children, and his wife Sheila Avery died in a house fire... They were 81."
Paul Avery, All My Children Actor, and Wife Die in Blairstown House Fire
Firefighters responded to a blaze at the couple's home early Tuesday morning. Paul Avery and his wife, Sheila Avery, were found in critical condition and were treated with CPR at the scene. Both died shortly after the incident on June 16, 2023.
Paul Avery played Hughie, the bartender at Foxy's, on All My Children for 12 years. He also had a role in the 1978 film Superman. After leaving acting, he worked as the executive editor of the Ridge View Echo, a local newspaper he founded in Blairstown, New Jersey.
"He was an interesting man," said Joe Phalon, an employee of the Ridge View Echo, describing Avery's diverse life which included acting, skydiving, service in the Vietnam War, and founding the newspaper.
Kyle Avery, the couple's daughter, confirmed the deaths in a Facebook post, expressing gratitude to the Blairstown Fire Department for their response.
This report is based on information from the Ridge View Echo, a local news organization founded by Paul Avery, and statements from family and colleagues.