LOS ANGELES — The wildfires raging in and around Los Angeles have impacted several celebrities, destroying their homes, including those of Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton.
Firefighters in California are actively combating these wind-driven blazes that are sweeping throughout the region. The fires have led to significant destruction, obstructed traffic, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate while putting immense pressure on local resources, as the flames remain uncontained.
Billy Crystal and his wife Janice issued a somber statement indicating that their residence in the Pacific Palisades, which they had called home for 45 years, was consumed by the fire. “We’ve lived here since 1979, raised our children and grandchildren here. Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the love from our children and friends, and we will endure through this,” they expressed.
The Pacific Palisades neighborhood, known for its scenic hillside coastal properties popular with celebrities, was mirrored in the Beach Boys’ classic “Surfin’ USA.” The urgency to escape the flames created traffic jams, as many residents abandoned their vehicles and fled on foot, grasping their belongings.
Mark Hamill shared his experience of evacuating Malibu at the last minute on Instagram, noting small fires flanking the road as they drove along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Less than three days earlier, Hollywood’s glitterati had gathered for the Golden Globes—a highlight of the celebratory awards season. However, the joyous atmosphere dissipated quickly; the premieres for films like “Better Man” and “The Last Showgirl” were scrapped while the announcements for the Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations were made through a press release instead of a live gathering. The upcoming Oscar nominations have also been postponed by two days to January 19, with an extended voting window for members affected by the wildfires.
As for celebrities facing personal losses, Mandy Moore revealed that her residence in Altadena was destroyed. She expressed her shock and sorrow over the situation, stating, “My children’s school is gone and many beloved spots are now leveled. So many friends are experiencing losses too. Our community may be frail, but we will rebuild.”
The Crystals echoed similar sentiments regarding their community’s resilience: “Pacific Palisades is home to remarkable individuals, and we believe it will rise again with time.” Robin Elwes, known for “The Princess Bride,” confirmed that although his family is safe, their home fell victim to the coastal fire, saying, “Sadly, we did lose our home, but we are grateful to be alive.”
Paris Hilton shared moments of devastation from her lost Malibu home on Instagram, reminiscing about the memories made there, particularly those with her children. “It’s heartbreaking to know others are waking up without a roof over their heads,” she lamented.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also used social media to indicate the dire situation in her neighborhood, expressing gratitude for firefighters and volunteers assisting those in peril. Other high-profile figures, including Adam Sandler and Ben Affleck, reside in the affected areas and await news on their properties.
In terms of damage estimates, officials have reported that more than 70,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with nearly 30,000 structures currently threatened by the flames. The fire has ravaged Temescal Canyon, a hotspot for hiking, and has notably impacted the famed Sunset Boulevard, as well as parts of Palisades Charter High School, recognizable from numerous films and TV shows.
Historic sites have not been spared either; the ranch house belonging to Hollywood icon Will Rogers was among the many structures lost. Rogers’ estate was a sprawling 359-acre area that included various facilities donated to California State Parks in 1944 and featured prominently in local culture.
As a result of the fires, several significant events have been postponed, including the Critics Choice Awards, now moved to February 26. Universal Studios Hollywood canceled numerous film premieres and shut down the theme park for the day due to hazardous air conditions. Additionally, Disney closed its Burbank headquarters and halted productions for several shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Doctor Odyssey.”
The effects of these wildfires pose substantial disruptions not only to affected individuals but also continue to shake the foundation of the Hollywood entertainment industry, altering schedules and stalling creative projects.
