Los Angeles had never experienced the cruel hands of raging wildfires that burned people to death, sent thousands fleeing, and left so many buildings reduced to ashes. The celebrities, too, did not escape as several of their homes succumbed to the uncontrollable inferno.
Celebrities who have lost their homes
Celebrities who have lost their homes in the Los Angeles fire so far:
- Tina Knowles
- Cary Elwes
- Paris Hilton
- Billy Crystal
- Ricki Lake
- Melissa Rivers
- Anna Faris
- Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
- James Woods
- Diane Warren
- Cameron Mathison
Billy Crystal’s family home destroyed
Longtime actor Billy Crystal lost his family home in Pacific Palisades that he had lived in for 46 years. Crystal said in an interview: “Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy,” the couple shared in a joint statement.
Paris Hilton’s Malibu mansion lost
Media personality and socialite Paris Hilton lost her mansion in Malibu to the fire. The media celebrity took to her social media account to express sad feelings as is she was “heartbroken beyond words” after learning her Malibu home was destroyed in the wildfires. “Sitting with my family, watching the news and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience,” she wrote in part on Instagram. “This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.”
Mandy Moore’s home ravaged
The result for Mandy Moore’s house was extensive damage yet the structure remains upright, although uninhabitable. She said she and husband musician Taylor Goldsmith “lost our garage and back house” including his studio with instruments and equipment.
Actor Cary Elwes, of “The Princess Bride,” said his Malibu home was lost. Elwes was thankful his family was safe. “We are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.”
Anna Faris’ house burned down
A spokesperson for actress Anna Faris says her house was destroyed in the fires. The spokesperson says, “Anna and her family are safe and very grateful.”
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag home gone
Reality television stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag lost their home to the wildfires. Taking to his social media, Pratt claimed the pain of the fire, claiming “Watching all the hard work of the last 15 years go up in flames” as “one of the worst feelings of my life.”
Ricki Lake’s ‘Heaven on Earth’ gone
Talk show host Ricki Lake and her husband Ross lost their dream home in the fires. Lake described the property as “our heaven on earth,” adding, “The place where we planned to grow old together.”
“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words,” she wrote. “After a valiant and brave effort by our friend and hero @kirbykotler_ Ross and I lost our dream home. This description ‘dream home’ doesn’t suffice. It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second. I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you. This loss is immeasurable.”
Melissa Rivers evacuates, loses home
Television host Melissa Rivers had to flee with a few treasured possessions when her home was destroyed. “My heart is so broken,” she said, adding that “my neighborhood has been wiped off the map.”
James Woods’s home destroyed
Among those remembering the chaos in evacuating the “exact epicenter of the fire” was actor James Woods, whose home later was consumed. “Like an inferno,” he said, describing “every house. on fire around us.”
Diane Warren’s beach house lost
Songwriter Diane Warren also reported that her beach house of almost 30 years was lost. She said she was grateful that her animals and rescue ranch were safe, adding, “The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing.”
Cameron Mathison’s home destroyed
Actor Cameron Mathison reported that his “family home where the kids grew up is gone,” adding, “Thanks to all who reached out and checked in.”
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody’s property engulfed
The property of actors Leighton Meester and Adam Brody went up in flames. The two are among the mandatory evacuees whose properties reportedly have been destroyed.
Eugene Levy among affected celebrities
Among celebrities who have lost their homes to the California fires are actor Eugene Levy. Historic fires have killed five and destroyed more than 1,100 buildings.
Community impact
The wildfires have caused more than 180,000 residents to run for their lives and destroyed over 1,900 structures. Even the entertainment community has suffered a great deal due to this. The Critics Choice Awards and the AFI Awards have been postponed. Jamie Lee Curtis has pledged $1 million to support the relief effort.
Ongoing crisis and response
Authorities warned that the death toll, which stood at five so far, could rise further as rescuers in the area continue operations,” it said. More than 7,500 firefighters were battling the still mostly uncontained flames as President Joe Biden okayed a huge disaster declaration aimed at fast-tracking federal aid to the victims.
It has been a disaster testing the mettle of resilience and solidity, in which even high-profile residents fall victims to, and this tested the Los Angeles community. Rebuilding of lives and properties has started, and all types of support flowing in from all quarters are helping the people affected by the wildfires.
