The recent wildfires in California have resulted in significant damage to several renowned landmarks, including the high school that served as the backdrop for Stephen King’s “Carrie,” Will Rogers’ historic ranch house, and a motel famously owned by William Randolph Hearst.
While Los Angeles boasts numerous iconic locations known for their cinematic history, several beloved sites appeared to be at risk during the Hollywood Hills fire. Fortunately, prominent attractions such as the Hollywood Bowl, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre sustained minimal damage as of Thursday. However, the wildfires have left their mark on other notable landmarks.
Palisades Charter High School experienced “significant damage” to its structures, although the main building remains intact. Established in 1961 at a cost of approximately $6 million, the school serves around 3,000 students from the Los Angeles region, who were not in attendance at the time of the fire. One of its most notable claims to fame is its appearance in Brian De Palma’s 1976 adaptation of “Carrie,” featuring Sissy Spacek. The campus has also been seen in the 2003 version of “Freaky Friday,” starring Lindsay Lohan, as well as in films like “Crazy/Beautiful” and “Havoc,” the television series “Teen Wolf,” and music videos including Olivia Rodrigo’s “good 4 u.” Many celebrated personalities have graced its halls, such as director J.J. Abrams, actress Jennifer Jason Leigh, actor Forest Whitaker, musician will.i.am, and current coaches of the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, Jeanie Buss and Steve Kerr, respectively.
The Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House, a 1920s property, was completely engulfed in flames during the Palisades Fire. Set on 186 acres in the Pacific Palisades and overlooking the ocean, the ranch featured 31 rooms, equestrian facilities, a polo field, and hiking trails. This was where the legendary actor and radio star honed his roping skills until his passing in 1935. His widow, Betty Rogers, transferred ownership to the state in 1944, turning the site into a historic park.
The place was highlighted in the 1975 film “Funny Lady,” starring Barbra Streisand.
Another casualty of the flames was the Topanga Ranch Motel, a quaint 30-room bungalow-style establishment founded by William Randolph Hearst in 1929. After being vacant and deteriorating for nearly two decades, there were plans to restore and reopen the motel.
This site was previously featured in series like “Mannix” and “Remington Steele” and movies such as “Blue City” and “Leather Jackets.”
Reel Inn Malibu, a beloved seafood restaurant located on the Pacific Coast Highway, also succumbed to the flames. Established in 1986, the owners expressed their uncertainty about the future of the restaurant in an Instagram post. They expressed hope that state parks would allow them to rebuild the cherished establishment when conditions improve.
The restaurant gained acclaim from shows like “Man vs. Food” and “The Chew,” and counts many celebrities, including Cindy Crawford and Jerry Seinfeld, among its fans. It even featured in the series “24.”
Lastly, The Bunny Museum, an eccentric attraction based in Altadena and dedicated to all things bunny-related, was destroyed in the fires. This whimsical museum housed an extensive collection of bunny-themed novelties, ranging from Trix cereal boxes and Bugs Bunny memorabilia to a “Chamber of Hop Horrors” that highlighted the mistreatment of bunnies. Admission to this chamber was restricted to those aged 13 and older.
This unique institution gained recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records and was showcased in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! as well as in the Smithsonian Magazine and an episode of “Visiting… With Huell Howser.”
