LOS ANGELES — The destructive wildfires sweeping through Pacific Palisades have severely impacted the life of “This Is Us” actor Milo Ventimiglia, culminating in the loss of his home. The fire obliterated many cherished belongings, notably a crib he had recently installed in anticipation of his new role as a father.
During a recent CBS interview, Ventimiglia expressed his devastation while surveying the ruins of his house, reflecting on the sheer loss as he stood in what used to be his kitchen. With emotions running high, he remarked, “Your heart just breaks,” as he viewed the dismal state of his neighborhood. He and his wife, Jarah Mariano, had to evacuate with their dog earlier in the week, watching helplessly via security cameras as the blaze consumed their home. “There’s a kind of shock moment where you’re going, ‘Oh, this is real. This is happening,’” he shared, emphasizing how they decided to stop watching as the situation worsened.
On Friday, firefighters made progress against the blaze, seizing a brief break in the strong winds that had fueled its spread. As the fires have wreaked havoc, various organizations and celebrities have rallied to support victims and assist in rebuilding efforts. The Walt Disney Company pledged a substantial donation of $15 million to aid in recovery.
As Ventimiglia navigated the aftermath of the wildfires, he couldn’t help but think of his character Jack Pearson from “This Is Us,” who tragically died in a fire due to smoke inhalation. “It’s not lost on me life imitating art,” he noted. Mandy Moore, who portrayed Ventimiglia’s on-screen wife, faced a near loss of her own when the Eaton fire encroached on her home in Altadena. Though part of her house remained intact, it has become uninhabitable, and her husband lost his music studio along with all his instruments.
Mel Gibson has confirmed that his residence has been entirely destroyed, a revelation he made during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Numerous well-known figures have reported losses or damage to their properties amid the devastating wildfires surrounding Los Angeles. The death toll has grown to at least 10 people, with countless structures and vehicles destroyed. Furthermore, over 150,000 individuals are currently under evacuation orders.
The home shared by Miles Teller and his wife, Keleigh, was reduced to rubble, with only some landscaping and a gate remaining. Keleigh took to Instagram to share poignant before-and-after photos of their property, urging others to evacuate the area and expressing gratitude to first responders. “We will come back stronger than ever,” she wrote, sharing her regret for not saving her wedding dress. Other celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Cary Elwes, and R&B artist Jhené Aiko have also confirmed significant losses. Haley Joel Osment expressed his sorrow, revealing that he lost everything in Altadena, stating, “I am so sorry for the losses that thousands of people are suffering.”
Disney’s $15 million donation to fire relief efforts aims to help in rebuilding. The company announced these funds would be distributed to various organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Disney CEO Bob Iger remarked on the company’s commitment to support the community, reflecting on Walt Disney’s legacy and the importance of assisting those affected by the crisis.
In addition to financial contributions, a benefit concert titled “FIREAID” has been announced for January 30 at Intuit Dome, with details about the lineup and tickets pending. This event is being organized by notable figures in the music industry, including Shelli, Irving, and the Azoff family, along with Live Nation and AEG Presents. The money generated from the concert will aid those impacted by the fires and support initiatives to prevent future disasters. The venue, Intuit Dome, is the home of the Los Angeles Clippers.
