Hollywood has united to support victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires which occurred on January 7; the fire has caused widespread destruction and taken at least 24 lives. With high winds fueling the blazes, six major fires have destroyed neighbourhoods and forced thousands to evacuate. Many celebrities directly impacted by the disaster have spoken about their losses while contributing to relief efforts.
Celebrities Affected by the Wildfire
The wildfire has affected numerous celebrity homes in the affluent neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. These figures publicly shared their losses, providing a somber glimpse into the devastation experienced across the city.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton is among the many celebrities devastated by the LA wildfires; she took to Instagram on January 9 to reveal that her beachfront Malibu home had been reduced to ashes. “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 said.
Candy Spelling
The author and philanthropist lost her cherished home. In her emotional statement, Spelling reflected on the memories tied to her residence, describing it as a gift that her family will forever treasure.
Jhené Aiko
On Thursday, the R&B singer shared the devastation of losing her home with her belongings in an Instagram post, “Those who lost their home, those who lost their life’s work, those who lost their life. praying for my city. praying for the wild life and lost pets. praying for the world 💙.”
Tina Knowles
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, described her residence as a sacred happy place; her emotional Instagram post resonated deeply with fans. She wrote on January 10, “This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favorite place, my sanctuary , my sacred Happy Place . Now it is gone !! God Bless all the brave men and women in our fire department who risked their lives in dangerous conditions.”
Bella Hadid
After the fire, Bella Hadid also took to Instagram on the 10th to share photos of the devastating impact on her childhood home. The picture showed the house engulfed by flames, including her bedroom.
Billy Crystal
Billy and his wife Janice lost their 46-year-old family home on Wednesday, January 8, where they raised their children and grandchildren. The couple mourns the destruction of their cherished history.
Bozoma Saint John
The Real Housewives star Bozoma Saint John confirmed via Instagram that her residence had succumbed to the flames. She shared pictures of her home during the good times. “This is an unimaginable loss. I grieve with the rest of Los Angeles as it burns… There’s nothing that I could say in this moment to describe this feeling,” she stated.
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester
The beloved couple faced the heartbreaking loss of their $6.5 million Pacific Palisades ocean-view property in 2019. Their home is no longer standing.
Ricki Lake
In an emotional Instagram post, Ricki Lake lamented the loss of her home, which she described as a place of immeasurable personal significance. She wrote, “I can’t believe I am typing these words. 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.”
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
Two former Hills stars, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, lost their house to the fire. On TikTok, Heidi shared heartbreaking updates with their admirers while documenting their heartbreak. In the caption, Spencer wrote, “Nightmare came true,” whereas Heidi stated, “Thank God we are safe… it’s just… no words.”
Other celebrities affected by the LA wildfire tragedy include Miles Teller and Keleigh Teller, Anthony Hopkins, Cobie Smulders, Diane Warren, John Goodman, James Woods, Carolyn Murphy, Kate Beckinsale, Maria Shriver, and Eugene Levy.
Donations and Efforts by Celebrities
Many celebrities mobilized to support their community after the fires. Hollywood’s response has been characterized by financial contributions, personal donations, and advocacy for relief efforts.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation launched an LA Fire Relief Fund with an initial donation of $2.5 million, directing aid to families, churches, and community centers in need. The Instagram post stated, “The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.”
Halle Berry
Halle Berry donated her entire closet to a clothing drive for wildfire victims. She encouraged others to contribute, using her platform to bring visibility to relief efforts. The actress explained, “This is something we can do right now today to help all of the displaced families that are in need of the basics today!”
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis pledged $1 million from her family foundation to assist in recovery after losing her home. Furthermore, to maximize the impact of her donation, she collaborated with local government officials. She posted on Instagram, “My husband and I and our children have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex urged public involvement in relief efforts and offered their Montecito home as a refuge for evacuees. “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do,” stated the couple. “And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.” They also visited the Pasadena Convention Center on January 10.
Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone spearheaded several donation drives, inspiring colleagues to follow suit and provide essential items. She posted on Instagram on January 9 stating, “The Coop – Please come and shop if you were displaced from the fire.”
Production Halts Amidst the Devastation
The relentless wildfires forced production shutdowns and the cancellation of significant award season events. The Critics Choice Awards, planned for this Sunday in Santa Monica, was also affected. Organizers have set a new date of January 26 for the event. “This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community. All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected,” said Joey Berlin, CEO of Critics Choice Awards.
On Wednesday morning, organizers of the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards announced nominations via a press release instead of an in-person event. The American Film Institute (AFI) will reschedule its Awards luncheon, originally planned for January 10. Additionally, the BAFTA has canceled its Tea Party, a significant event on the road to the Oscars, which it had initially scheduled for January 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has adjusted its schedule, postponing the Academy Awards nominations announcement from January 17 to January 19. It also extended the Oscars voting period to give members more time to participate, as the ongoing disaster directly affects many Academy members.
Beyond the red carpets, Hollywood productions have primarily come to a standstill due to the fires’ dangerous conditions, high winds, and widespread smoke. Shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Hacks,” “Suits L.A.,” “NCIS,” and “The Price Is Right.” have paused filming. Late-night programs, including ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and CBS’ “After Midnight,” have stopped production for now, and producers will make decisions about future tapings on a day-to-day basis.
Furthermore, the wildfires’ impact has left countless residents with physical, emotional, and financial wounds. Amid the devastation, stories of generosity and solidarity shine. Celebrities used their platforms to amplify calls for aid and relief organizations.
