‘Superman’ actor Paul Avery, 81, and his wife die in New Jersey house fire
Paul Avery’s acting career began in the 1970s. He had notable roles in television series including ‘Soap’, ‘All My Children’ and ‘Three’s Company’.
Paul Avery, the veteran actor known for his work on the classic soap opera All My Children and his appearance in the 1978 film Superman, has died at age 81 alongside his wife, Sheila Avery, after a devastating house fire in New Jersey.
According to early reports, New Jersey State Police and the Blairstown Fire Department responded to the couple’s home shortly after 12:38 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 16, where they found Paul and Sheila trapped inside.
Firefighters forced their way into the burning home and discovered the couple in critical condition. As reported by Lehigh Valley Live, both were unconscious and received CPR at the scene, but neither survived their injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A career that began in the 1970s
Beyond his acting career — which spanned television, film, and theater — Avery also worked as a journalist. He served as executive editor of the Ridge View Echo, where colleagues remembered him as “the most interesting man in the world.”
His daughter, Kyle Avery, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post, writing:
“I am deeply saddened 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 no one ever had to wonder about that. We are grateful to the Blairstown Fire Department for their efforts. Funeral details will be shared at a later time.”
A community in mourning
The loss of Paul and Sheila Avery has shaken both the entertainment world and their local New Jersey community. As investigators work to determine what caused the fire, tributes continue to pour in for a couple remembered for their warmth, creativity, and deep love for their family.
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