All My Children star Paul Avery and his wife, Sheila Avery, have died at their home in Blairstown, New Jersey, in a house fire. The couple was reportedly found unconscious by firefighters on Tuesday shortly after midnight. They both passed away from their injuries shortly after.
Tragic house fire claims life of Paul Avery and wife Sheila
In a tragic accident, All My Children star Paul Avery and his wife, Sheila, both died in a house fire in their Blairstown, New Jersey, home on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The couple was reportedly found and removed from the building by firefighters on Tuesday shortly after midnight.
They succumbed to their injuries despite attempts to save them.
The soap opera star was 81 years old. He was best known for playing Hughie, the bartender, on All My Children for 12 years.
The couple’s daughter, Kyle Avery, paid tribute to her parents in a Facebook post (via Metro). “I’m devastated to share that our parents, Paul and Sheila Garry Avery, passed away early this morning,” she wrote. “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.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Apart from his role in All My Children, Paul Avery also starred in shows such as Superman, Three’s Company, and Tales from the Dark Side. He was active in the industry for over two decades. Since 2018, Paul has been the primary caretaker of Sheila, who suffered from a stroke.
Besides being a major figure in the television industry, Paul was a beloved member of the community and actively participated in the affairs of his town.
More details about the potential cause of the fire are expected to arrive soon.
