As wildfires ravage the hills and neighborhoods of Los Angeles, they’ve left an unprecedented trail of destruction. Thousands of homes, including those of beloved celebrities, have been reduced to ashes. These images, from Malibu mansions to historic estates, offer a sobering glimpse into Hollywood’s elite loss.
Over the past week, relentless wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds have devastated Los Angeles. Entire communities have been uprooted, with at least five fires destroying buildings and displacing residents. Among the affected are iconic Hollywood stars whose homes and lives have been upended.
Plumes of smoke are seen as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Their homes and neighborhoods held years of memories and personal history, now lost within hours. These are the heartbreaking accounts of stars like Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Ricki Lake, alongside photos that bring the magnitude of this disaster into focus.
Homes burn during the Palisades fire on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, California | Source: Getty Images
Billy Crystal: Decades of Family Memories Turned to Ash
For Crystal, the wildfire’s devastation extends beyond the loss of a home. It’s the erasure of over four decades of cherished family memories. In a heartfelt statement to CNN, the legendary actor and comedian shared his grief.
Billy Crystal and wife Janice on April 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“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,” he reflected.
A picture of an area affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, dated January 9, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@theexpresstribune
For Crystal, the loss is immeasurable, much like the devastation felt by others in the celebrity community. Among them is Ricki Lake, whose beloved Malibu retreat was also reduced to ashes.
Ricki Lake’s Malibu Paradise Lost
Lake’s Malibu home, which she called her “heaven on earth,” is now just a memory. On Instagram, she shared her heartbreak, “It’s all gone. 
I can’t believe I am typing these words.[..]Ross and I lost our dream home.”
https://www.facebook.com/v14.0/plugins/post.php?app_id=493078077833106&channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df460ef5adef185d74%26domain%3Dnews.amomama.com%26is_canvas%3Dfalse%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fnews.amomama.com%252Ff30f8f152051e6d09%26relation%3Dparent.parent&container_width=600&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmsrickilake%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0avarSczFwypd9kfG89xMnWaGjD3xJscyAGeXYwDDwUS8T74FgfTeJ4GtHWTpkxrwl%3Fref%3Dembed_post%26mWidth%3D350%26mHeight%3D552%26dWidth%3D600%26dHeight%3D783&locale=en_US&sdk=joey
Ricki Lake and her partner, Ross, as seen in a post dated January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rickilake
Ricki Lake poses on her property as seen in a post dated January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rickilake
Ricki Lake on her property, dated January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rickilake
Ricki Lake and her partner, Ross, on their now destroyed property, as seen in a post dated January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rickilake
The home was the backdrop to some of Lake’s most cherished moments, including her wedding three years ago. She expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal but acknowledged the overwhelming grief shared by her community.
Ricki Lake’s property, as seen in a post dated January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rickilake
Ricki Lake and her partner, Ross, as seen in a post dated January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/rickilake
Her heartbreak is echoed by Paris Hilton, who faced the unthinkable as she watched her family home burn live on television.
Paris Hilton: Watching a Home Burn on Live TV
Hilton’s Malibu home, filled with precious family memories, was among the countless properties destroyed. Sharing her pain on Instagram, she wrote, “Heartbroken beyond words. 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.”
A picture from a clip of Paris Hilton’s burning neighborhood, dated January 9, 2025 | Source: Instagram/parishilton
A picture from a clip of burning homes, dated January 9, 2025 | Source: Instagram/parishilton
Hilton reflected on the memories tied to the home, from her son Phoenix taking his first steps to dreams of building a future there. Grateful for her family’s safety, Hilton pledged to support others affected through her 11:11 Media team. “We’re committed to offering help as soon as possible,” she wrote.
A picture of Paris Hilton’s pets as they evacuated their home due to the fires, as seen in her Instagram stories | Source: Instagram/parishilton
As Hilton mobilizes support for the community, Jamie Lee Curtis shares her perspective on the devastation, including its impact on cherished local landmarks.
Jamie Lee Curtis gets emotional during an appearance on “The Tonight Show,” dated January 9, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@fallontonight
Jamie Lee Curtis’s Heartbreak Over Community Loss
Curtis shared her grief as fires swept through her neighborhood, leaving a trail of destruction. “My community and possibly my home is on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes,” she posted on Instagram, urging people to stay safe and let firefighters do their work.
She also reflected on the loss of cherished community landmarks. “This is the church… where I got sober 25 years ago,” she shared. Later, on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” she became emotional, describing how many friends had already lost everything.
Her heartfelt plea for support mirrors the devastation experienced by James Woods, whose posts revealed the harrowing reality of losing a home and finding strength in neighbors.
https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=true&id=1849503582392868910&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.amomama.com%2F445997-photos-of-13-celebrity-houses-and.html&sessionId=d7ce88c221a725697677f92dc800f13fdb53ad3b&siteScreenName=amomama&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px
James Woods: Finding Strength Amid Destruction
Woods shared the emotional toll of the fires on X, revealing the devastation to his neighborhood and home. “It tests your soul, losing everything at once,” he wrote, alongside videos showing the damage and evacuation efforts.
James Woods gets emotional when talking about evacuating his home due to Los Angeles wildfires, dated January 9, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@9news
In one touching post, he shared how a young girl’s gesture moved him. “Sara’s eight-year-old niece offered her Yeti piggy bank to help us. Some things will make a grown man cry,” he wrote. These and many more posts illustrated the devastation he and many others were facing.
He also shared, “We renovated a home after COVID and just finished last month. To all the lovely people offering care and love, I’ll say this. There is no possession as priceless as friends and good neighbors during a tragedy.”
https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=true&id=1876780073845408023&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.amomama.com%2F445997-photos-of-13-celebrity-houses-and.html&sessionId=d7ce88c221a725697677f92dc800f13fdb53ad3b&siteScreenName=amomama&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px
https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=true&id=1876749526532591828&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.amomama.com%2F445997-photos-of-13-celebrity-houses-and.html&sessionId=d7ce88c221a725697677f92dc800f13fdb53ad3b&siteScreenName=amomama&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px
As Woods drew strength from his neighbors, Ben Affleck faced the crisis with a focus on protecting his family and helping others.
Ben Affleck pictured on December 12, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Ben Affleck: Protecting Family Amid the Chaos
After evacuating his $20.5 million home, Affleck immediately turned his focus to his family. According to reports, he rushed to the home of his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, to ensure their children’s safety during the crisis.
His property survived the flames, but the emotional toll was evident. He was seen returning to the area with visible concern as flames approached.
https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=true&id=1876885459072135570&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.amomama.com%2F445997-photos-of-13-celebrity-houses-and.html&sessionId=d7ce88c221a725697677f92dc800f13fdb53ad3b&siteScreenName=amomama&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px
Meanwhile, Maria Shriver took to social media to document the destruction and rally support for her community.
Maria Shriver: Capturing the Devastation
Shriver used her platform to share the heartbreaking aftermath of the wildfires. Through photos and videos on Instagram, she documented the widespread destruction in her neighborhood.
In one post, Shriver captured the charred remains of homes and natural landscapes. Her devastation is echoed by Sandra Lee, whose deeply personal connection to her Malibu home made its loss even more devastating.
Sandra Lee, dated November 23, 2024 | Source: Instagram/sandraleeonline
Sandra Lee: Saying Goodbye to a Dream Home
Lee’s Malibu home, a place she called her “slice of heaven,” was one of many lost to the wildfires. In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote, “I have loved creating it, embellishing it, building it, caring for it, and protecting it.[..] We are all safe but the fire is inching closer to my slice of heaven in Malibu.”
She later wrote, “My house is gone-I cried all night and thought about every room, nook, and cranny. It was perfection, and now it’s just ash.” She reflected on the home’s significance in her life, from the memories it held to the hard work it represented.
“Please keep our community, the firefighters, and the first responders in your prayers. This is not over—not even close,” she urged. As Lee processed the loss, Brad Paisley mourned the destruction of a neighborhood filled with years of memories.
Brad Paisley poses in his home, dated September 12, 2014 | Source: YouTube/@People
Brad Paisley: Mourning a Community’s Loss
For Paisley, the fires not only destroyed his former Pacific Palisades home but also shattered a neighborhood rich with memories. Reflecting on Instagram, he wrote, “It was the first house Kim and I bought together.[..] That beautiful old house burned last night. As did most of that community.”
Picture of Brad Paisley’s home, dated September 12, 2014 | Source: YouTube/@People
Paisley shared the personal significance of the area, from birthing classes to cherished neighborhood haunts. “So many good people displaced, devastated, and cast out all over LA.[..] It is all so tragic and sad,” he acknowledged the tragedy.
While Paisley mourned the loss of a beloved neighborhood, Mandy Moore shared her heartbreak over losing both her home and the heart of her community.
Mandy Moore: A Community Uprooted
Moore shared the devastation her family faced as their home and surrounding community were destroyed. On Instagram, she wrote, “I love you, Altadena. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late… So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too.”
A screenshot of Mandy Moore’s Instagram story | Source: Instagram/MANDYMOOREmm
A screenshot of Mandy Moore’s Instagram story | Source: Instagram/MANDYMOOREmm
The actress also expressed heartbreak over the loss of local landmarks that were central to her family’s life, including her children’s school and favorite restaurants.
A screenshot of Mandy Moore’s Instagram post, dated January 9, 2025 | Source: Instagram/MANDYMOOREmm
Mandy Moore’s Instagram post, dated January 9, 2025 | Source: Instagram/MANDYMOOREmm
As Moore reflected on her family’s displacement, Derek Hough documented his harrowing experience of preparing to evacuate as flames closed in.
Derek Hough: A Close Call
Hough faced a terrifying close call as the wildfires closed in on his home. On Instagram, he described the chaos, “The winds are hitting 100 mph, and we’re packing up, preparing to evacuate with our five animals JUST IN CASE.”
In another post, Hough shared a video of the blaze approaching, writing, “Just took this and can’t believe this is all happening.” He thanked firefighters for their bravery and urged everyone to stay safe and vigilant during the crisis.
As Hough recounted his ordeal, Eugene Levy provided a stark view of the fires’ impact on his own neighborhood.
A screenshot of Eugene Levy’s Instagram story | Source: Instagram/instadanjlevy
Eugene Levy: Heartbreak from the Window
Levy offered a sobering look at the wildfires’ devastation through his social media posts. Sharing a view from his home, he wrote, “This is the view from my window this morning. Heartbroken for my family, my friends, and the people of LA affected by these catastrophic fires.”
A screenshot of Eugene Levy’s Instagram story | Source: Instagram/instadanjlevy
He also expressed deep gratitude for the firefighters battling the relentless flames, calling them “heroes” for risking their lives to protect others. Meanwhile, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester faced their own tragic loss.
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester: A Family Home Destroyed
Brody and Meester’s Los Angeles home was among the many properties destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfire. Once a stunning $6.5 million family retreat, the house was reduced to a smoking wreck, with its roof burned away and flames tearing through the rooms.
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody’s Los Angeles home tragically burned down as seen in a video dated January 9, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@pagesix
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody’s burned to the ground as seen in a video dated January 9, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@pagesix
The couple had lived there since 2019 with their two young children. Their home had been a symbol of family and security, now completely gone. The heartbreaking images of their property encapsulate the profound impact these fires have had on countless families.
As the city looks toward recovery, these tales of loss and hope remind us of the power of human connection and perseverance. Rebuilding will take time, but the resolve of those affected proves that even in the face of unimaginable destruction, a brighter future can be forged.
– by VT – Leave a Comment
Jimmy Carter’s recent state funeral was a significant event, uniting almost all living First Ladies in a rare display of unity. During their respectful attendance, each paid their respects with heartfelt gestures and carefully chosen attire.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, was honored in a state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The gathering of First Ladies at Carter’s funeral was a poignant reminder of the influence these women have had on the nation’s history.
President Jimmy Carter addressing a town meeting in Elk City, Oklahoma, March 1979. | Source: Getty Images
Each brought a unique sense of style to the occasion, with carefully chosen outfits that reflected the somber tone of the service. Here’s a closer look at what they wore to pay their final respects.
Former President Jimmy Carter photographed at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 14, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
Melania Trump
Melania Trump attended the state funeral alongside her husband, former President and President-elect Donald Trump.
Known for her impeccable fashion sense, the former First Lady wore a striking black coat dress by Valentino, which stood out for its elegant design and subtle artistic statement.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump arriving for the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral on January 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The coat dress from Valentino’s Fall 2019 collection featured a statement collar adorned with a black-and-white print of a 19th-century sculpture titled “The Kiss.” The sculpture, originally conceived as part of the larger piece “The Gates of Hell,” symbolized love and eternity — an appropriate nod to Carter’s legacy.
Former President Barack Obama with Donald and Melania Trump at the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Melania kept her accessories minimal, wearing classic black Manolo Blahnik pumps and delicate jewelry. Her polished look conveyed respect and dignity, staying true to her personal style of understated elegance.
“She looked lovely and elegant,” one social media user said of Melania’s outfit. Another typed, “She was dressed entirely appropriately and elegantly. A credit to her role and the United States.”
Barack Obama, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and Melania Trump at the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. | Source: Getty Images
A third commented, “I think she always looks very classy,” and a fourth shared, “Melania looked stunning in Valentino.” A fifth person wrote, “She’s beautiful!! It looked great” and another commented, “The epitome of class!!!!”
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump at former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Jill Biden
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden chose a timeless look for the occasion, opting for a black skirt suit by Schiaparelli, which she had previously worn at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. The suit featured bold gold and white buttons, adding a refined touch to the otherwise traditional outfit.
First Lady Jill Biden and U.S. President Joe Biden arriving at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Her accessories included pearl earrings and a simple necklace, with black pumps completing the ensemble. Her outfit struck a balance between modernity and tradition, reflecting her warm yet polished approach to fashion.
Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden arriving at the State Funeral Service for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and First Lady, attended the service alongside her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Her choice of a classic black pantsuit demonstrated her signature no-nonsense style while remaining appropriate for the occasion.
Former Vice President Al Gore, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former President George W. Bush at the State Funeral Service for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
She accessorized with a bald eagle brooch featuring the U.S. flag — a powerful symbol of patriotism and unity. The eagle, a national emblem since 1782, underscored her deep ties to American politics and values.
She also wore a pearl necklace and matching earrings. Pearls have long been associated with mourning attire, representing sympathy and respect for the deceased.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton at the State Funeral Service for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. | Source: Getty Images
Laura Bush
Laura Bush brought her characteristic Southern charm to the state funeral with a classic and respectful ensemble. The former First Lady wore a simple black dress with a wide round neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves — a timeless silhouette that exuded elegance and restraint.
Former U.S. President George W. Bush and Laura Bush arriving to the State Funeral Service for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Her outfit was complemented by a two-row pearl necklace, a traditional choice for mourning attire. Pearls have long been seen as a symbol of sympathy and condolence, making them a fitting accessory for such a solemn occasion.
Former U.S. presidents, including President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, and President-elect Donald Trump, at the state funeral for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter with their respective wives, Laura Bush and Melania Trump. | Source: Getty Images
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral, a rare absence for the former First Lady, who has previously been present at other presidential services. “Where is Michelle?” one social media user wondered.
Another commented, “Hope Michelle is ok… it feels weird she’s not there.” A third typed, “Where is Michelle? From what I am seeing everyone came with their partner.”
Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton photographed with Michelle and Barack Obama on August 28, 2013, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The former First Lady’s absence was attributed to a scheduling conflict, as she remained in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation. CNN’s Jeff Zeleny reported that her advisers confirmed her absence, noting that it was purely due to logistics and timing.
According to her spokesperson, Crystal Carson, Michelle sent her “thoughts and prayers to the Carter family” in lieu of her attendance.
The presence of most of the living First Ladies at Carter’s funeral was a moving moment in U.S. history. Each of these women, through their unique styles and thoughtful ensembles, paid tribute to the late president in a way that reflected their personalities and legacies.
