Celebrity Homes Destroyed in California Wildfires: Latest Updates

Can you believe how quickly the Los Angeles wildfires spiraled out of control? Starting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the fires have shocked everyone with their speed and destruction, burning through 29,000 acres—about twice the size of Manhattan—in just a few days. Reports mention multiple fatalities and injuries, though exact numbers aren’t confirmed yet. People are questioning how the fires spread so fast, whether emergency teams are handling it well, and what’s fueling the disaster.

Experts point to strong winds and dry vegetation as key factors; heavy rains in recent years helped plants grow, but they’ve since dried out, turning into fuel for the flames. The strong winds this week made it even easier for the fires to spread rapidly. On top of that, climate change is making these conditions more likely, creating the perfect setup for disasters like this.

Did you know that more than 80,000 people have been forced to leave their homes because of the wildfires, including some big-name celebrities? Here’s a list of celebrities whose homes have been destroyed, along with heart-breaking photos.

Stars Caught in the Flames: Celebrity Homes Lost to the Wildfires

The wildfires have devastated communities, and even celebrities haven’t been spared. Many stars have lost their homes or had to evacuate as the flames continue to spread. Here’s a list of celebrities homes burned who’ve been affected by the wildfires.

1. Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson’s home has been completely destroyed, as confirmed by his publicist, Alan Nierob. The Oscar-winning actor first shared the news on Joe Rogan’s podcast, saying

“I would be surprised if my home is still there.”

Mel Gibson

He explained that his son, Milo, is a volunteer firefighter and sent him a video showing their neighborhood engulfed in flames, calling it an “inferno.” When asked if the disaster might make him consider moving out of LA, Gibson replied, “Yeah, maybe.”

In addition, Gibson spoke with NewsNation about the loss of his home, calling it an emotional experience.

“It’s emotional, I had my belongings there, and now it’s all gone—turned to ashes.”

Mel Gibson

He also expressed his gratitude for the “kindness” of the people in his neighborhood and felt thankful that his large family remained safe.

2. Milo Ventimiglia

The Pacific Palisades wildfires destroyed the home of This Is Us and Gilmore Girls star Milo Ventimiglia. Most heartbreakingly, it also burned the crib he had just set up for his soon-to-be baby. CBS cameras captured Ventimiglia walking through his charred house for the first time since evacuating, standing in what was once his kitchen. “Your heart just breaks,” he said.

He and his pregnant wife, Jarah Mariano, evacuated on Tuesday with their dog, watching through security cameras as flames tore through their home, destroying everything.

“There’s a kind of shock moment where you’re going, ‘Oh, this is real. This is happening, And then at a certain point, we just turned it off, like, ‘What good is it to keep watching?’”

Milo Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia couldn’t help but feel a connection to his This Is Us character, Jack Pearson, who died in a house fire from inhaling smoke. “It’s not lost on me—life imitating art,” he said.

Ventimiglia returned to his burnt-out home with CBS Evening News’ Tony Dokoupil, calling the experience “heavy.” He said that he and his wife, who is nine months pregnant, will manage.

“We’ll make do, Wife and baby are the most important.”

Milo Ventimiglia

3. Benjamin Rigby

Australian actor Benjamin Rigby returned to his home to find only a charred staircase still standing. He shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram Stories, writing,

“My heart is absolutely and completely broken. Our home is gone.”

Benjamin Rigby

Fellow actor Melanie Zanetti, known for her role in Bluey as Chilli Heeler, shared a link to a fundraiser to support Rigby and his partner, Daren.

4. Anthony Hopkins

Photos show that legendary actor Anthony Hopkins (Those About to Die) lost his home in the Pacific Palisades wildfires, the same house where he often shared videos on TikTok playing the piano or preparing for the Oscars. According to the Daily Mail, he moved into the house in 2021, several years after his Malibu home was narrowly spared from the Woolsey fire in 2018. Previously, Hopkins also lost his home in London to a fire in 2000.

Although his representative did not respond to a request for comment, on Friday, Hopkins posted a note on Instagram, saying,

“As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, it’s important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.”

Anthony Hopkins

5. Tina Knowles

Beyoncé and Solange Knowles’ mother, Tina Knowles, shared on Instagram that her home has been lost in the wildfires.

“It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my happy place. Now it’s gone,”

she wrote.

Tina also thanked the brave firefighters and first responders, saying,

“We thank you for your dedication and bravery for risking your lives and saving so many. This could have been much worse without you.”

6. Anna Faris

Anna Faris lost her home in Pacific Palisades, where she lived with her family. A representative for the actress, best known for her roles in Scary Movie films and The House Bunny, told on Wednesday, January 8, that her house was destroyed in the wildfires.

“Anna and her family are safe and very grateful,”

the representative said.

7. Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges’ (The Old Man) representative confirmed to TMZ that his Malibu home, which he shared with his family, was lost in the Pacific Palisades fire. The house, located on the Pacific Coast Highway, had belonged to the actor’s parents and was not their primary residence. According to reports, Bridges, his sister, and their brother, Beau, had inherited the home together.

8. Jennifer Grey

Actress Stella Gregg shared on her Instagram Stories that her mother, Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing, lost her home in the fire. She confirmed that Grey and her dog, Winnie, are safe and wrote,

“Luckily she and Winnie are safe. Give your loved ones an extra hug today.”

Stella Gregg

9. Miles Teller

The home Miles Teller shared with his wife, Keleigh, has been reduced to a pile of dust and debris, with only some shrubbery and a gate remaining. Keleigh shared before and after photos of their house on Instagram, urging people to evacuate the area and thanking first responders.

“We will come back stronger than ever,”

she wrote.

Miles and Keleigh Teller lost their $7.5 million home in Pacific Palisades, which they had bought in 2023. On Friday, Keleigh spoke about the loss, sharing the last photo she took of their house standing and writing, “

Pacific Palisades, I love you beyond measure—you are a little slice of heaven. We will come back stronger than ever. If you’re in the LA area, PLEASE get out if you can. I wish I had grabbed my wedding dress… wish I had done a lot of things differently, but it doesn’t matter. Stay safe, get out. 🥹🥹💔💔 There are no words.”

Miles and Keleigh Teller

She also mentioned that she wished she had taken her wedding dress during the evacuation.

10. John Goodman

John Goodman’s house in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood has been completely destroyed by the fire, according to footage obtained by TMZ. The house is leveled, leaving only a blackened swimming pool in the backyard. Photos show the aftermath, and Goodman’s representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

11. Candy Spelling

American author, theater producer, and philanthropist Candy Spelling told TMZ that she lost her Malibu home in the wildfires. She said,

“I’m in shock and processing this massive loss for our family. I’m beyond grateful for the memories. It was truly a wonderful gift to have.”

Candy Spelling

Candy, the mother of Tori Spelling and widow of late TV producer Aaron Spelling, had owned the beachfront property for 50 years. Although she had recently put it up for sale a few times, she had taken it off the market.

12. Jhene Aiko

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Jhené Aiko shared on Instagram that she lost her home in the wildfires. She wrote,

“My and my children’s home is gone. Burned to the ground with all of our things inside. Lord have mercy. Thankful we still have each other.”

Jhené Aiko

13. Cary Elwes

Cary Elwes, known for his role in Bram Stoker‘s Dracula, The Princess Bride and other films, shared on Instagram that his family is safe, but their home was lost in the Palisades fire. He wrote,

“Sadly we did lose our home, but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.”

Cary Elwes,

Cary also posted video of the widespread destruction he saw while evacuating his Malibu home. On Wednesday, he gave an update, expressing thanks to the first responders and everyone sending well wishes.

14. Rebel Wilson

Australian actress Rebel Wilson, starred in Love Victor along with her wife Ramona Agruma, lives in the Hollywood Hills with their daughter. Their home is believed to be in the path of the wildfires. On her Instagram story, she shared that a friend had rescued her cat from the flames as the fires continue to spread. “Can’t believe this,” Wilson wrote.

15. Adam Brody and Leighton Meester

Actors Adam Brody and Leighton Meester have reportedly lost their $10 million home in Pacific Palisades. Video footage by Reuters shows their house turned into a smoldering pile. The couple, who have been married for 10 years, were recently seen together attending the Golden Globes. They shared the home with their two children.

16. Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal confirmed that he and his wife, Janice, who have been married for nearly 55 years, lost their home. In a statement shared, he said,

“We are heartbroken. We lived in our home since 1979, raised our children and grandchildren there. Every part of our house was filled with love and beautiful memories. We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders. The Pacific Palisades is a strong community, and we know it will recover over time. It is our home, and we will move forward with the support of our family and friends.”

Billy Crystal

17. Paris Hilton

In an Instagram update, business mogul Paris Hilton confirmed reports that her beachfront home in Malibu had been completely destroyed by the wildfires. She wrote,

“Watching the news and seeing our home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to go through.”

Paris Hilton

Hilton recalled many special memories made in the home, from her son Phoenix taking his first steps to dreaming of a future with her daughter London. Though the loss is overwhelming, she shared that she is grateful her family and pets are safe. In the post, she expressed sympathy for all the families affected by the fires.

18. Ricki Lake

TV host and actor Ricki Lake, best known for her role in the 1988 film Hairspray, lost her home in the fire. She wrote on social media,

“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I’m typing these words.”

She described the house as her “dream home,” calling it their “heaven on earth.” The loss, she said, is beyond words. Lake shared pictures of happier times at the house and expressed deep sadness over the devastation.

“This was the place where we planned to grow old together. We never took it for granted, not even for a second, This loss is immeasurable. It’s where we got married three years ago.”

Ricki Lake

Lake mourned alongside others affected by the fires, praying for her neighbors, friends, community, animals, firefighters, and first responders. “For now, I grieve,” she said.

19. Jamie Lee Curtis

Actor Jamie Lee Curtis starring in The Sticky Season 1, shared an update on Instagram, saying she has likely lost her home in the fire.

“My community and possibly my home is on fire.”

Thankfully, her family is safe, but many of her friends will lose their homes. She also mentioned that her entire neighborhood is gone, though her own house remains safe.

“So many others have lost everything,”

Curtis thanked the first responders and firefighters, encouraging others to help where they can. She also posted a tribute to a local church that held special meaning for her, where she got sober 25 years ago. “Tough times, but we will persevere,” she wrote.

20. Eugene Levy

Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy’s home was destroyed in the fire. The actor also starred in Only Murders In The Building ,spoke to the Los Angeles Times about his evacuation, saying the smoke over Temescal Canyon was “pretty black and intense.”

“I couldn’t see any flames, but the smoke was very dark,”

His son, Dan Levy, later posted on his Instagram Stories, writing,

“Heartbroken for my family, my friends, and the people of LA affected by these catastrophic fires.”

Eugene Levy

Photos later confirmed that the home had been completely destroyed.

21. Mandy Moore

Singer Mandy Moore posted on Instagram, saying she likely lost her home in Altadena.

“I am absolutely numb,” she wrote. “My sweet home. I’m devastated for those who’ve lost so much.”

On Thursday, she shared that the “main part” of their home was “still standing, for now.” She added

“It’s not livable but mostly intact. We lost Taylor and Griffin’s studio, with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We also lost our garage and back house”.

Mandy Moore and her family (and pets) were forced to evacuate.

“Grateful for the kindness of friends who gave us a place to stay last night. I’m trying to shield the kids from the sadness and worry I feel. Praying for everyone in our beautiful city. So gutted for the destruction and loss. I don’t know if our place made it.”

She posted a second update on Jan. 8, saying she’s still in shock to see the devastation in her hometown of Altadena.

“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 to those on the front lines trying to get this under control.”

22. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag

The Hills stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt lost their property, as Spencer’s sister Stephanie confirmed on Instagram.

“How horrible for my sweet little nephews to watch their house disappear like this,” she wrote.

Earlier, Spencer Pratt shared on Snapchat that he was watching his home being engulfed by flames through security cameras. In a harrowing video posted on TikTok, Spencer revealed his home was one of those burned down. “Nightmare came true,” he captioned the video. His wife, Heidi Montag, later posted a follow-up TikTok, confirming they had lost their home and thanking fans for their prayers and thoughts.

“Thank God we are safe… it’s just… no words.”

Later that day, Spencer shared a photo from what remained of his home, with a note of hope.

“The one positive sign I saw as our house burned down was our son’s bed burned in the shape of a heart,” he wrote. “A sign of how much love was in this house. So thankful for all the years and memories there with our family.”

23. James Woods

In an interview with CNN, actor James Woods broke down in tears over losing his Pacific Palisades home. “One day you’re swimming in the pool, and the next day, it’s all gone,” the Once Upon a Time in America actor said.

Through tears, he recalled how his partner Sara’s eight-year-old niece tried to help.

She came out with her little yeti piggy bank for us to rebuild our house.”

James Woods

Before leaving his home, he tweeted,

“To all the wonderful people who’ve reached out to us, thank you for being so concerned. Just letting you know that we were able to evacuate successfully. I do not know at this moment if our home is still standing, but sadly, houses on our little street are not.”

“One day you’re swimming in the pool, the next day it’s all gone,” he later told CNN.

On Friday, Jan. 10, Woods confirmed on X that he visited what he thought would be the remains of his home but was surprised to find it still standing.

“A miracle has happened, we managed to get to our property, and our home, that we were told is gone forever, is still standing. In this hellish landscape, ‘standing’ is relative, but smoke and other damage is not like the utter destruction around us.”

James Woods

Other celebrities whose homes were affected by the fire include:

• Julia Louis-Dreyfus
• Pete Lee
• Barbara Corcoran
• Harvey Guillen
• Melissa Claire Egan
• Ari Emanuel and Sarah Staudinger
• Molly Baz
• Leanne Ford
• Harry Mack
• Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung
• John C. Reilly
• Cobie Smulders and Taran Killam
• Cameron Mathison
• Bozoma Saint John
• Diane Warren
• Denise Crosby
• Jen Atkin
• JJ Reddick’s Family
• Carolyn Murphy
• Molly Sims
• Chrissy Teigen
• Julianne Hough
• Kate Beckinsale
• Rob McElhenney
• Sandra Lee
• Mark Hamill
• Jennifer Love Hewitt
• Duff Goldman

How many Homes Were Destroyed in the Pacific Palisades?

The Palisades Fire, which continues to burn, has already devastated a significant portion of the area, consuming nearly 20,000 acres, destroying over 5,000 structures, and sadly resulting in at least two confirmed deaths. As the fire gradually slows, residents are beginning to cautiously return to their neighborhoods, faced with the heartbreaking task of assessing the damage left behind. The community, once vibrant with homes and life, now stands in ruins, a stark reminder of the fire’s overwhelming power.

FAQS:

Wrap Up!

Many celebrities have been affected by the devastating fires in the Pacific Palisades, with several of their homes lost to the flames. From well-known actors like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Woods to musicians and reality stars, the celebrity homes on fire list includes names like Mandy Moore, Ricki Lake, and Spencer Pratt. These fires have not only claimed thousands of structures, but have also left many families, both famous and everyday residents, displaced and heartbroken. As the community begins to rebuild, the outpouring of support and resilience from those affected is a testament to their strength in the face of such destruction.