Paul Avery, Actor, Journalist, Veteran and Community Leader, Dies at 81 in New Jersey House Fire

Paul Avery, an actor known for his appearances in All My Children, Superman: The Movie, and numerous television commercials, died on June 16, 2026, following a house fire at his home in Blairstown, New Jersey. He was 81. His wife, Sheila Garry Avery, also died as a result of the fire.

According to local reports, firefighters responded to an early-morning call regarding a residential fire in Blairstown shortly after 1 a.m. The blaze was extinguished, but emergency crews found Paul and Sheila Avery unresponsive inside the home. Both were transported in critical condition and later died from their injuries. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

The tragedy has deeply affected the Blairstown community, where Avery spent nearly four decades as a journalist, civic leader, and advocate for local causes.

A Career in Entertainment

Before becoming a respected journalist and community figure, Paul Avery built a successful career in the entertainment industry that spanned roughly 20 years.

He was best known to daytime television audiences for his recurring role as Hughie, the friendly bartender at Foxy's on ABC's long-running soap opera All My Children. Avery portrayed the character from 1981 to 1993, appearing regularly in scenes involving some of the show's most popular characters, including Jesse Hubbard and Jenny Gardner.

His work extended beyond daytime television. Avery made guest appearances on popular series such as Three's Company and Soap, earning a reputation as a dependable character actor.

Film audiences may remember him from 1978's Superman: The Movie, starring Christopher Reeve. Avery played a television cameraman who becomes one of the first people on screen to witness Superman's dramatic rescue of Lois Lane during the famous helicopter sequence. Earlier in his career, he also appeared in the 1972 cult thriller Stanley.

Voice Acting and Commercial Success

Avery's face and voice were familiar to millions of Americans through advertising campaigns.

Over the course of his career, he appeared in or contributed to more than 300 television and radio commercials for major national brands. Among his most notable achievements was his work as a voice actor for Mars, Inc., where he voiced the Yellow M&M in a long-running advertising campaign.

He also worked extensively on commercial campaigns for AT&T and numerous other companies, becoming a recognizable presence in American advertising during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s.

Military Service and Love of Aviation

Long before his acting career, Avery pursued a life filled with adventure and public service.

At age 19, he became involved in skydiving, eventually completing more than 400 jumps over a decade. His enthusiasm for the sport earned him the affectionate family nickname "Sky Pig."

Avery also served in the United States National Guard and was activated during the Vietnam War. During his military service, he worked as a helicopter crew chief, an experience that helped foster a lifelong passion for aviation. Friends and family often noted his love of flying and aircraft throughout his life.

Transition to Journalism

After leaving the entertainment industry, Avery embarked on a second career in journalism.

Drawing on his communication skills and curiosity about public affairs, he contributed articles to The New York Times and several national magazines. He later focused his efforts on local journalism, believing that strong community reporting was essential to civic life.

This commitment led him to establish the Ridge View Echo, a local newspaper dedicated to covering the people, issues, and events affecting northwestern New Jersey. As founder and executive editor, Avery became a respected voice in local media and an advocate for community engagement.

Civic Leadership in Blairstown

Avery's dedication to public service extended beyond journalism.

After settling in Blairstown, he became deeply involved in local government and community organizations. He served on the Blairstown Township Committee from 2012 to 2018, participated on the local school board, and founded the Blairstown Enhancement Committee (BEC).

Residents frequently credited him with promoting civic involvement, supporting local initiatives, and helping preserve the character of the community. His work touched not only Blairstown but also neighboring towns throughout Warren County.

Following news of his death, longtime colleague Joe Phalon reflected on Avery's impact, telling local television station WFMZ-TV:

"I got a call saying what happened, and I just couldn't believe it. His death is going to leave a real void in this community. Not just Blairstown, but the towns around as well."

Devotion to Family

Friends and relatives often described Avery's greatest role as that of husband and father.

He and Sheila Garry Avery were married for decades and raised three children together: daughters Parker and Kyle, and son Paul.

In 2018, after Sheila suffered a stroke, Avery stepped away from public life, journalism, and civic responsibilities to become her full-time caregiver. Family members said he devoted himself completely to her care during the years that followed.

Their daughter, Kyle Avery, shared an emotional statement following the tragedy:

"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."