The relentless wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles has destroyed numerous homes, including those of well-known celebrities such as Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and Cary Elwes.
California firefighters are working tirelessly to fight the wind-driven flames that have devastated neighborhoods, forced mass evacuations, and stretched resources to the limit.
Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, mourn the loss of their cherished Pacific Palisades home of 45 years. In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, the couple expressed their grief:
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love—beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken, of course, but with the love of our children and friends, we will get through this.”
The fires, which erupted in various locations, have grown into several major blazes, including the Palisades fire west of Los Angeles, the Eaton fire north of Pasadena, and the Hurst fire in the San Fernando Valley. Late Wednesday night, another fire ignited in the Hollywood Hills, escalating the disaster further.
The Pacific Palisades, a coastal hillside neighborhood immortalized by the Beach Boys in their hit “Surfin’ USA,” has been particularly hard-hit. At least 100,000 residents are under evacuation orders, including numerous Hollywood stars. Mark Hamill, Mandy Moore, and James Woods are among those forced to flee.
Hamill shared his experience on Instagram, writing:
“Evacuated Malibu so last minute. Small fires on both sides of the road as we approached (the Pacific Coast Highway).”
Mandy Moore’s home in Altadena, near Pasadena, was among those reduced to ashes. In an emotional Instagram post, she said:
“Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all that so many have lost, including my family. My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken, but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control.”
Cary Elwes, famed for his role in The Princess Bride, also lost his Palisades home. He expressed his gratitude for survival, stating on Instagram:
“Sadly, we did lose our home, but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.”
Paris Hilton’s Malibu residence, a place filled with memories, was among those destroyed. Sharing her sorrow, she posted a news clip showing the damage, writing:
“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. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis revealed that while her family is safe, she fears her home and neighborhood may also succumb to the flames. She praised the firefighters and volunteers working tirelessly to assist evacuees:
“It’s a terrifying situation, and I’m grateful to the firefighters and all of the good Samaritans who are helping people get out of the way of the blaze.”
James Woods posted a video on X, showing flames advancing dangerously close to his property. In the short clip, he narrated his preparations to leave:
“Standing in my driveway, getting ready to evacuate.” Later, he confirmed his evacuation, adding, “It tests your soul, losing everything at once, I must say.”
Officials have not yet provided a definitive count of the structures destroyed, but they estimate that nearly 30,000 homes remain under threat. Over 70,000 residents have been evacuated, while power outages have left more than 1.5 million customers in the dark.
The wildfire’s reach has extended to iconic locations, including Temescal Canyon, a beloved hiking area surrounded by multimillion-dollar homes. Flames leaped across the famous Sunset Boulevard and damaged parts of Palisades Charter High School, a location familiar to audiences from Hollywood productions such as Carrie (1976), Freaky Friday (2003), and Teen Wolf.
AP News
