Paul Avery, the actor best known for his role as Hughie the bartender on the soap opera 'All My Children', and his wife Sheila died in a house fire early Tuesday morning in Blairstown, New Jersey. The couple was found in critical condition after firefighters responded to their home, located approximately 80 kilometres west of Newark.
Details of the Incident
According to the New Jersey State Police, the residence was fully engulfed in flames when troopers arrived. Both individuals were inside at the time of the fire and succumbed to their injuries despite receiving CPR after being rescued. The fire was brought under control around 1 a.m., shortly after firefighters entered the home. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and no additional information has been released.
Acting Career
Avery began his acting career in the 1970s. He played a TV cameraman in the 1978 film 'Superman' starring Christopher Reeve and later took on the recurring role of Hughie the bartender on 'All My Children', which he played for twelve years. He also made appearances in 'Tales from the Darkside', 'Three's Company', and 'Soap'. In addition to acting and writing, Avery was a former journalist, a member of the United States National Guard, and served as a helicopter crew chief during the Vietnam War.
Family Confirmation
The couple's daughter, Kyle Avery, confirmed the news on social media. In a Facebook post, 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.” Paul Avery was 81 years old.
