Celebrities have lost their homes, major Hollywood events have been cancelled and actors have displayed real-life heroics as massive fire rage in California.
Paris Hilton, Anna Faris, Billy Crystal, Jennifer Grey, James Woods and Ricki Lake are among the stars whose homes have been claimed by the wildfire as it raged through the Pacific Palisades enclave and onto other parts of Los Angeles, where a lot of celebrities live.
Food icon Molly Baz has shared the final photo she captured of her home in east Los Angeles before it was destroyed.
LIVE UPDATES: Death toll expected to rise as fires rage through Los Angeles
“The last photo I took before we lost it all,” the cookbook author captioned a photo of her baby son sitting in her kitchen, which was filled with candles for light.
“We’ll recover someday. Thank you to the village.”
Baz’s husband, furniture and spatial designer Ben Willet, also shared a video taken while driving through the city’s smouldering streets, writing, “we are safe. we lost everything. nothing left. sending love to all affected.”
Actress and singer Mandy Moore shared an update with fans after being evacuated with her family, revealing she feels “weird survivors guilt” after the fires ravaged her community.
Moore revealed in a candid new post that she and her musician husband Taylor Goldsmith were able to safely head back to their home to inspect the damage to their property, after the fires tore through their suburb.
Sharing some devastating pictures of their home, with rubble and smoke around, the This Is Us star, 40, said it was “miraculous” that “the main part of the house is still standing”.
But she said it’s not “livable” and that they lost their studio, garage and back house.
The Candy singer said “every house on [her] street is gone,” and that because of this, her and her husband feel “weird survivors guilt”.
“We were able to park and walk up our street to bear witness to all the loss. Miraculously, the main part of our house is still standing. For now. It’s not livable but mostly intact,” Moore said.
“We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything.”
Revealing the devastation on her street and for her extended family, she added: “Every house on our street is gone. My in-laws. My brother and sister in-law – 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends.”
“We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong.”
READ MORE: All the Hollywood productions paused as wildfires cover LA
She received messages of support underneath.
Before this, Moore and her family had to evacuate for their safety and she said they didn’t know if their home had “made it”.
”Evacuated and safe with kids, dog and cats,” she wrote on her Instagram stories to her millions of followers.
“Praying and grateful for the first responders.”
She added that she was trying to “shield” her children from the news.
“Grateful for the kindness of friends that we had a place to land last night. Trying to shield the kids from the immense sadness and worry I feel,” she wrote.
“Praying for everyone in our beautiful city. So gutted for the devastation and loss. Don’t know if our place made it,” she finished.
The actress and singer later posted about the devastation in her neighbourhood of Altadena.
“My children’s school is gone. Our favourite restaurants, levelled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too,” she wrote.
Gwyneth Paltrow response typified the way so many celebrities were feeling about the devastation.
She took to social media on Thursday (Friday morning AEDT) to share her “deep grief” for many of our close friends who have lost everything”.
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“We are in deep grief for so many of our close friends who have lost everything,” Paltrow wrote.
While not addressing whether she was among those who had “lost everything” the actress reassured fans “we are currently safe”.
She then added cryptically that “there will be more to say and everything to do” once the fires are out.
“The city of angels will need angels of all kinds,” she said.
The message was posted alongside a photo of a flaming palm tree taken by Bloomberg photographer Kyle Grillot.
Model Carolyn Murphy shared CCTV footage from her home on social media, showing the “seconds before our home went up in flames”.
“We are safe, our dogs are safe, and that’s all that matters,” she wrote, confirming “we lost everything”.
In a later Instagram Story, Murphy sent her well-wishes to others in the community, including the wildlife.
“My heart goes out for everyone in our community,” she began.
“I pray all the wildlife is safe, our rascally bobcat, our fierce mountain lion, the silly coyotes, waddling skunks, sleek foxes and singing birds.”
Actress Stella Gregg also revealed her famous mum – Dirty Dancing‘s Jennifer Grey – lost her home in the fires.
“Last night my mama’s house was burnt to the ground,” she told fans on social media.
“Luckily she and Winnie [her dog] are safe. Give your loved ones an extra squeeze today.”
Hilton shared a video on Instagram, saying she was watching the news and watching her house burn down on live TV.
“Heartbroken beyond words, 💔,” her post began.
“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.😢
“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.”
“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family is safe.”
“My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.”
READ MORE: Critics Choice Awards postponed as fires ravage LA
“We’re in this together, LA.✨,” she added, saying her team were working on ways to help the community.
Faris’ representative confirmed to People that the actress had lost her home, but that she and her family are OK.
“Anna and her family are safe and very grateful,” the representative told the outlet.
Billy Crystal, 76, shared a statement, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, seemingly confirming their house was destroyed in the fire.
“We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy,” part of the statement read.
“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,” they added in part, saying they were “praying” for “firefighters and first responders”.
James Woods broke down on TV as he discussed the devastation of his home and neighbourhood.
Wiping tears from his eyes, the Vampires star told CNN, “I thought I would be stronger than this.”
Watch the video above.
“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” he said.
“There was so much chaos, it was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us.”
In a post on the social media site X, Woods said his wife Sara Miller-Woods’ eight-year-old niece offered the couple her piggy bank to help them rebuild their house.
“Some things will make a grown man cry,” he wrote.
Woods also documented the evacuation process in a series of video posts, showing his area in flames.
“It tests your soul, losing everything at once, I must say,” he wrote in one.
https://x.com/RealJamesWoods/status/1876780073845408023
There are also reports the homes of stars including Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, John Goodman and Anthony Hopkins have been destroyed.
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, who became big names in the early noughties on reality TV series The Hills, also lost their home, sharing their devastation on social media.
Pratt showed the view of the smoke and fire from the backyard of the house he shares with wife Montag and their two sons, while his wife told fans they were preparing to evacuate.
READ MORE: The one major award Nicole Kidman has never won
Pratt captioned one clip of the blaze as “nightmare came true”.
On Instagram, Pratt also shared that his parents had lost their home in the fires along with a devastating photo of the nursery in his home ablaze.
In his post, he said their house had “burned down”.
“The one positive sign I saw as our house burned down was our sons bed burned in the shape of a heart,” he captioned the nursery photo.
“A sign of how much love was in this house so thankful for all the years and memories there with our family.”
His wife Heidi shared a heartbreaking video of herself crying on TikTok, wiping away tears while saying: “I’m so sad our house is gone.”
“It’s so sad for everyone,” she added.
“You’re allowed to cry. It was your home,” one follower commented underneath, with the comment getting thousands of likes.
General Hospital star Cameron Mathison shared a devastating video after losing his home.
The Canadian-American star, 55, who is also known for his role in All My Children, shared a heartbreaking video on his official Instagram page showing his home burnt to the ground.
He said of his family: “We are safe. But this is what’s left of our beautiful home.”
“Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday,” he wrote as he panned around the property.
“Thanks to all who reached out and checked in. Can’t respond to all so wanted to give an update here.”
He added a message to followers and people living in California: “Sending so many prayers to everyone being affected by these fires🙏🏼.”
Sandra Lee shared a series of terrifying videos first showing the path of destruction of the fire and said her Malibu home was at risk.
The American TV chef and author then shared another video of herself talking to camera, and understandably holding back tears, saying she had lost her home but was safe in a hotel.
“Good morning, thank you for all your well wishes. I’m in a hotel. I don’t have a home anymore, my house is gone, it’s literally gone.”
I’ve been crying all night. Thank God everybody is safe. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how to compartmentalise this. I don’t know what to do. All my stuff, all the last five years of my life.”
She said she was planning to go to “work” and added she would one day try and rebuild her home.
“I’m gonna rebuild it I think, I don’t know how,” she added, before crying.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a “state of emergency” on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) as wind gusts fanned the flames, intensifying the fire.
Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy who is the current honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades, was evacuated early on Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
READ MORE: Star reveals role that left her ‘broken for a long while’
“The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon,” he told the publication while stuck in traffic leaving the area.
“I couldn’t see any flames, but the smoke was very dark.”
His son, Dan Levy, hasn’t yet directly commented on his father’s loss of his home but shared a picture of the view he could see of the fire.
“This is the view from my window this morning,” he wrote on his Instagram stories.
“Heartbroken for my family, my friends, and the people of LA affected by these catastrophic fires.”
There are a raft of celebrities who call the area home, including Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler and Michael Keaton.
Stars share support online
Aussie actress Naomi Watts shared a message of support for those affected by the wildfires and said that her “heart is breaking”.
“My heart is breaking — thinking of everyone affected by these horrible fires. It’s scary out there. Stay safe, guys 😕,” she said in an Instagram post.
British actress Kate Beckinsale shared a post, revealing she used to live in the Pacific Palisades and was thinking of everyone affected.
“Hearing the winds last night I prayed. I knew it would be bad – we had to evacuate many times during our life there – but the shock at the whole of the Palisades being destroyed is unthinkably horrific,” she wrote.
“My daughter and I lived there for most of her childhood and most of her childhood is gone. Her primary school ,every shop or restaurant we used to go to with my parents and Michael’s parents -and devastatingly, most of her friends homes. My heart is broken,” she added in part.
“If anyone from village needs shelter and doesn’t still have a number for me ,please contact me on Instagram.”
Ayda Field, the wife of singer Robbie Williams, also shared a tribute.
“I was born and raised in LA. Watching my city burn down right now is devastating,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Family and friends have lost everything.”
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Anna Faris’ ex-husband Chris Pratt shared a post thanking firefighters for their efforts in combating the disaster.
Although, he didn’t mention Faris’ house burning down.
“Please send prayers and strength tonight to everyone in Los Angeles affected by these devastating fires,” the Avengers star wrote.
“Thank you to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and wildlife as they battle fast-moving wildfire fueled by fierce winds. You are true heroes, and we are endlessly grateful for your sacrifice and courage.
“Let’s all come together to support one another during this tough time.❤️.”
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis added in a post: “My community and possibly my home is on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes. Many other communities as well.”
She added in part of her post: “If ever there was need for the use of the phrase MY HAND IN YOURS, it is right now. Take care of each other. Stay out of the way and let the firefighters do their work. Pray if you believe in it and even if you don’t, pray for those who do.”
In another post, the actress reassured those in her community that they will heal together.
“We are going to have to come together, as we may never have done before, in the City of Angels and help each other. AND WE WILL!,” she wrote.
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She later revealed to her millions of followers on Instagram that her and her family are planning to donate $(US)1million ($AU1.6million) to relief efforts.
The actress said the money will be used “to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there”.
“My husband and I and our children have pledged $(US)1million 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.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEnDiUbxs6n/
Will & Grace star Debra Messing shared a message of solidarity on social media, from her home in New York.
“Absolutely devastating seeing what is happening in LA! It looks absolutely apocalyptic,” she wrote.
“My prayers to everyone who has lost their homes, their businesses, their animals, their sense of peace that only home can give.”
Suits star Gabriel Macht said he has a “deep gratitude” for “all the brave first responders” protecting “the city I grew up in”.
He added that while his family isn’t in danger currently, he “would never wish on anyone” what “some of my friends and colleagues are experiencing”.
“My heart goes out to everyone in the communities affected by the devastation and loss,” he added.
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“May your loved ones be close and protected, may your pets and livestock be safe, and may your cherished memories withstand the challenges of this brutal moment.”
Barack Obama also shared on social media that his thoughts were with the LA communities impacted by the blazes.
“Michelle and I are thinking of everyone impacted by the wildfires in California, and are grateful for the work of the heroic firefighters and first responders,” he wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
In her first social media post since her Justin Baldoni lawsuit, Blake Lively shared a message of love to “everyone affected by the Los Angeles fires”, sharing a resource link to find help and shelter.
While fighting back tears on stage, as he accepted an award for his role in The Brutalist in New York, actor Adrien Brody thanked emergency service workers for their efforts during “this horrific event”.
”I would be remiss to not mention the weight of what’s on all of our mind and in our hearts tonight,” the 51-year-old said at the New York Film Critics Circle 2025 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday night (Thursday AEDT).
“It’s hard to accept something like this when there’s so much suffering in the world. And um, you know, my heart goes out to all of the families and the animals and our colleagues.
“I just want to thank and commend the bravery of the first responders and sacrifices and their meaningful work that deserves our recognition tonight.”
Actor leaps into action
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, was spotted helping move abandoned cars from the main thoroughfare to allow fire trucks to reach closer to the fire.
“It’s really important for everybody to band together and don’t worry about your personal property – get your loved ones and get out,” Guttenberg told KTLA of people stuck on Palisades Drive.
“I have friends up there that can’t get out right now … and they’ve been given evacuation orders.”
In a later interview with CNN, Guttenberg said: “This is the most unbelievable fire I’ve ever seen.”
According to Associated Press some 30,000 residents are currently under evacuation orders with about 13,000 structures under threat.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill was among the celebrities evacuated from his Malibu home as the wildfires rage.
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Major Hollywood events delayed and cancelled
Numerous major events and productions have been postponed and cancelled as thick plumes of smoke overwhelm downtown LA.
More than a dozen shows that shoot in LA have halted production, according to The Hollywood Reporter, including Grey’s Anatomy, Hacks, Suits LA, NCIS and The Price Is Right.
Late night shows, like ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and CBS’ After Midnight, will also cease production on Wednesday, per Variety, which reports that the situation will be monitored for Thursday’s shows.
Thursday’s planned The Last Showgirl LA premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood’s been cancelled.
Earlier in the week, the Ryan Gosling-produced movie Wolf Man, created by Aussie filmmaker Leigh Whannell, had its Tuesday night (Wednesday AEDT) premiere also at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood cancelled.
The highly anticipated horror thriller stars Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott along with young Aussie Zac Chandler, meaning the 12-year-old Sydney actor’s Hollywood debut is on hold a little longer.
“Tonight’s premiere of Wolf Man is cancelled due to sensitivities around the worsening weather situation in LA and related evacuations,” a Universal Pictures spokesperson told news agency Press Association.
Similarly, Tuesday night’s premiere of Unstoppable, the biopic about one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles, starring Jennifer Lopez was called off.
“In light of today’s safety concerns around heightened wind activity and fire outbreaks in Los Angeles, we regret to inform you that we are cancelling tonight’s premiere of Unstoppable,” Amazon MGM said in a statement.
“As much as we were looking forward to celebrating this wonderful and inspiring film with you, safety is our first priority.”
Fresh off a surprise Golden Globes win for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture, Fernanda Torres was meant to take part in a screening and Q&A for her film I’m Still Here, with acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro set to host.
Sony cancelled the event after Del Toro was evacuated from his home.
Netflix similarly pulled the pin on a Q&A screening of Oscar contender Emilia Peréz at Grandmaster Recorders “out of an abundance of caution due to the severe winds and fires currently affecting the LA area.”
Wednesday’s planned premiere of the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man was also canned on Tuesday evening “due to the dangerous conditions affecting Los Angeles”.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating fires resulting from these conditions, and we encourage everyone to stay safe and follow guidance and orders from local officials and government agencies,” Paramount said in a statement.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards were set to host a live nominations announcement on Wednesday morning (Thursday AEDT) in LA, hosted by actors Joey King and Cooper Koch, but this too has been called off.
The in-person nominations announcement for awards honouring the best performances in movies and television will instead be announced by press release.
“In an abundance of caution for the safety of our presenters, guests, and staff, the live in-person 31st Annual SAG Awards nominations announcement has been cancelled due to the wildfires and adverse wind conditions in Los Angeles,” a statement from organisers said.
The organisation that puts on the Oscars has extended the voting window for Academy Awards nominations and delayed next week’s planned nominations announcement.
Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, shared the postponements to the film academy members in a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Nominations and the voting window have both been extended by two days. Oscar nominations will now be revealed on Sunday, January 19. Voting closes on January 14.
“We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California,” Kramer wrote.
“So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you.”
Similarly, the Writer Guild have delayed announcing the nominations for their annual awards ceremony to Monday, January 13.
All of the postponements and increased fire threat across the city, placed doubt on whether this Sunday’s Critic’s Choice Awards would be able to go ahead as planned from the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport, which is just south-east of the inferno.
The Critics Choice Awards was soon officially postponed, per Variety. It was set to take place on Sunday, January 12, but will be rescheduled to January 26.
The seaside enclave of Pacific Palisades is bookended by Malibu to the west and Santa Monica to the south-east.
It’s long been a celebrity hideaway, featuring a stunning coastline and mountains but located not too far from the skyline of downtown Los Angeles.
The neighbourhood of 23,000 within sprawling Los Angeles might not be as well known as its neighbours, but it has a rich, celebrity-studded history that followed its founding in the early 1920s.
It’s been celebrated in song – its famous waves were celebrated by The Beach Boys in Surfin’ USA – and provided a backdrop for a long list of films and TV shows.
The comedian Jerry Lewis lived there and was once honorary mayor, and the eponymously named TV series Pacific Palisades was produced by Aaron Spelling.
The raging coastal wildfire on Tuesday put the community in the headlines, as firefighters sought to hold off the spreading flames amid a strengthening windstorm and thousands of residents fled for safety.
Smoke from the fire was visible for miles along the coastline.
– Reported with Associated Press and CNN.