'Superman' actor Paul Avery, wife die in house fire
19 Jun 2026

Paul Avery (81), the actor best known for All My Children, and his wife, Sheila Avery, have died in a house fire.

The incident took place at their home in Blairstown, New Jersey, on Tuesday morning (local time).

According to reports from WFMZ and Ridge View Echo, the New Jersey State Police were called to respond to a residential fire with possible entrapment shortly before 1:00am.

Details about the fire incident
Rescue efforts

When the police arrived, they found Avery's home on Mohican Road engulfed in flames.

Firefighters entered the house and found two people in critical condition.

Both Avery and Sheila were unconscious and were given CPR, but unfortunately, both died shortly after being rescued from their home.

The fire was declared under control at 1:03am and its cause is still under investigation.

His daughter confirmed the news on Facebook
Family statement

Avery's daughter, Kyle Avery, took to Facebook on Tuesday to confirm her parents' deaths.

She wrote, "I'm devastated to share that our parents, Paul and Sheila Garry Avery, passed away early this morning."

"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."

His long career in acting and journalism
Career highlights

Avery started his career in the 1970s and had a long list of credits on television, film, and advertising.

He played the role of a TV cameraman in 1978's Superman before going on to portray Hughie, Foxy's bartender on All My Children.

He also reportedly appeared in over 300 commercials.

Apart from acting, he was deeply involved in journalism and community life as executive editor of Ridge View Echo.

Joe Phalon's tribute to Avery
Community impact

Joe Phalon, an employee at Ridge View Echo, remembered Avery as someone whose life experiences deeply impacted those around him.

He described Avery as "the most interesting man in the world" for all he had done in his life.

"His death is going to leave a real void in this community. Not just Blairstown, but the towns around as well," he reflected.