'All My Children' Actor Paul Avery Killed In House Fire

Paul Avery, who appeared on the hit show All My Children, was killed in a house fire in Blairstown Township, New Jersey, alongside his wife, Sheila, on Tuesday, June 16.

The couple's daughter, Kyle, shared the tragic news on Facebook.

"I'm devastated to share that our parents, Paul and Sheila Garry Avery, passed away early this morning," the post read. "We loved them so much, and they loved us so much, and nobody ever had to wonder if that was so. We're grateful to the Blairstown Fire Department for their efforts. Service plans to follow."

Lehigh Valley Live further reports the New Jersey State Police responded to the house "just after 12:38 a.m. Tuesday after being alerted to the blaze." While rescuers were able to pull both victims from their home, they later died from their injuries.

Avery joined the hit show in 1981 as Hughie, a bartender at Foxy's, and remained in a recurring role for 12 years. He also appeared in the 1978 film Superman as well as in the episode Three's Company and Soap. According to Soap Opera Digest, Avery was in over 300 commercials, including for companies such as AT&T and M&M, where he voiced the yellow M&M.

Joe Phalon, who worked at the paper Avery founded, the Ridge View Echo, spoke with WFMZ and shared a sweet tribute to the actor.

"I always like to call Paul the most interesting man in the world, because he was when you consider everything he's done in his life. Acting, skydiving, Vietnam veteran, started a newspaper," Phalon said.

"His death is going to leave a real void in this community. Not just Blairstown, but the towns around as well," He added. "I think we'll really miss him, and I think it's going to become more apparent over time."

Avery was 81 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by daughters Parker and Kyle and a son, Paul.

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 11:34 AM.