Hollywood in flames: California wildfires destroy celebrity homes and landmarks

The Academy Awards nominations have been delayed by two days to accommodate members affected by the fires.

In Short

• Wildfires in Los Angeles destroy homes including those of celebrities.
• Hollywood industry disrupted; events rescheduled and productions halted.
• Over 1.5 million without power, affecting infrastructure and historic sites.

California wildfires are wreaking havoc in Los Angeles, claiming the homes of thousands, including several high-profile celebrities. The devastating flames are reaching densely populated and affluent neighborhoods like Calabasas and Santa Monica, where many of California’s rich and famous reside.

Among the victims are actors, musicians, and influencers, who have shared their heartbreaking experiences.

Firefighters continue to battle wind-driven flames across the region, forcing tens of thousands to flee and causing widespread destruction.

Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, shared that their 45-year-old home, located in the coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, was completely consumed by the wildfire.

“We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love,” Crystal said in a statement.

Similarly, actress and singer Mandy Moore, whose home was lost in the Altadena area, expressed her shock and heartbreak. “So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too,” Moore said in an emotional Instagram post.

Paris Hilton also disclosed that her Malibu home, where she shared countless memories with her family, was one of the casualties of the fires.

As reported by Page Six, here’s a list of notable figures who have lost their homes to the devastating fires:

• Heidi Montag & Spencer Pratt: Lost their home; Pratt shared that their son’s bed burned in the shape of a heart.
• Leighton Meester & Adam Brody: Their $6.5 million Los Angeles home was destroyed.
• Anna Faris: Lost her eco-friendly mansion, purchased for $4.9 million in 2018.
• Miles Teller & Keleigh Teller: Their $7.5 million home burned down, leaving only the foundation.
• Eugene Levy: Lost his Pacific Palisades home.
• Anthony Hopkins: His Pacific Palisades home was destroyed; no comment has been made yet.
• Billy Crystal: His home burned down, leaving only the tennis court.
• John Goodman: Lost his Los Angeles home; only the blackened pool remains.
• Cameron Mathison: Shared the destruction of his home, thanking supporters.
• Cobie Smulders: Lost her $5.6 million home in Pacific Palisades.
• Diane Warren: Her beach house was destroyed; she shared a photo of a sentimental rock with a message of hope.
• Cary Elwes: Confirmed the loss of his home, expressing gratitude for his family’s safety.
• Fergie: Her home is at risk but still standing amid the fire.
• Ben Affleck: Evacuated his home, seeking shelter at Jennifer Garner’s house.
• Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson: Their son shared the devastation, but no official statement has been made yet.
• Alabama & Landon Barker: Evacuated due to the wildfire, sharing updates on social media.
• Mandy Moore: Her home was destroyed by the fire.
• Paris Hilton: Lost her Malibu home to the ongoing wildfires.

Evacuations and Ongoing Firefighting Efforts

Firefighters have struggled to contain the blazes, which include the Palisades fire west of Los Angeles, the Eaton fire north of Pasadena, and a new one that erupted in the Hollywood Hills late Wednesday.

Far-Reaching Disturbances to Hollywood and Film Industry

The fires have significantly disrupted the entertainment industry. The Critics Choice Awards have been rescheduled, and major Hollywood premieres canceled. Universal Studios closed for the day due to smoky conditions, while other productions, including Hacks and Ted Lasso, have been temporarily halted.

The Academy Awards nominations have been delayed by two days to accommodate members affected by the fires.

Fire Impact on Local Infrastructure

As of Wednesday, over 1.5 million people were reported without power. Areas such as Temescal Canyon, known for its hiking trails and multimillion-dollar homes, have been significantly affected.

The fires also destroyed historic sites, including the ranch house once owned by Hollywood legend Will Rogers.

The flames jumped across Sunset Boulevard, damaging part of the Palisades Charter High School and destroying a 1929-built historic motel in Topanga State Park.