California is going through one of the most distressing moments in recent years. Multiple massive wildfires are ravaging the Los Angeles area, turning homes, offices, and other buildings into ashes. At least four separate fires have devastated the metropolitan area, from the Pacific coast to Pasadena. Thousands of firefighters are battling the flames, but strong winds are complicating the situation and forcing neighbors to evacuate. There have been several fatalities and dozens of injuries from those who couldn't escape in time.
Among the 70,000 evacuated residents are some famous individuals. Hollywood stars who were among those forced to flee when they saw the fire reach their neighborhoods.
The fire has affected the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, one of the wealthiest in the city, where stars like Jennifer Aniston, Bradley Cooper, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, or Michael Keaton. According to the BBC.
Facing this unexpected situation, some studios have announced the cancellation of premieres for several series and movies scheduled for this week, such asUnstoppablefrom Amazon MGM, featuring Jennifer Lopez; Better Man, the biographical film of British singer Robbie Williams from Paramount Pictures, or Wolfman from Universal Studios.
Netflix canceled an event forEmilia Perez, a four-time Golden Globe winner, where the Spanish actress Karla Sofia Gascon was supposed to participate.
Ben Affleck's Mansion in Danger
One of the latest Hollywood stars to see their home in danger due to the fire is actor Ben Affleck, who acquired a mansion in Pacific Palisades in 2022. The house now threatened by the flames is valued at over 20 million dollars. According to the Daily Mail, Affleck has taken refuge at his ex-wife Jennifer Garner's house and is still shaken by the situation.
Other known evacuees include actress Mandy Moore, film director Guillermo del Toro, and actors Mark Hamill and James Woods. The latter even shared a photo of the fire on his social media with the message: "I don't know if our house is still standing."
James Woods' Tears and Paris Hilton's Pain
Veteran actor James Woods, an Oscar winner, couldn't hold back tears when talking about the destruction of his home in Pacific Palisades on CNN. "One day you're swimming in the pool, and the next day there's nothing left. There was so much chaos it felt like hell. All the houses around us were on fire," he said with tears in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Paris Hilton expressed her pain on social media. "Sitting with my family, watching the news and seeing our Malibu home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should have to experience," she wrote on her Instagram account, where she also posted the televised images of the moment.
"This house is where we built so many precious memories... It's where Phoenix (her son) took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a life of memories with London (her daughter)... While the loss is overwhelming, I hold onto the gratitude that my family is safe. My heart and prayers are with every family affected by these fires," said the wealthy heiress, model, actress, and singer, married to Carter Reum.
Safe but "Devastated"
Other artists like Diane Warren, Ricki Lake, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Cameron Mathison, Anna Faris, or Billy Crystal have posted similar messages expressing gratitude for being safe with their families while mourning the loss of homes where they have lived for years.
"There are no words to describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We grieve the loss of our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy," wrote Billy Crystal, who declares himself "devastated" by losing the home he had since 1979.
Actress Cameron Mathison shared a photo of the smoldering ruins of his home with a message: "We are safe, but this is what remains of our beautiful home, the home where our children grew up and where they wanted to raise their own someday."