'Feeling numb': Celebrities who’ve lost their homes in 'horrific' LA wildfire

The wildfire has already cost the economy more than $50 billion – with that figure only expected to rise

'Feeling numb': Celebrities who’ve lost their homes in 'horrific' LA wildfire

The Hollywood Hills are awash with flames, with at least five people having been killed by the ongoing wildfires. Spreading across 27,000 acres in South California, the fires have forced tens of thousands of residents to flee, with almost half a million still without power and over 1,000 structures having been totally destroyed.

According to research from AccuWeather, the wildfire has already cost the economy more than $50 billion – with that figure only expected to rise further. For homeowners in the area, this fire is one in a long line of disasters to strike the Californian property market. Speaking to MPA, Charlie Massie, of Massie & Beck Insurance Services, said this disaster has only created tension in regards to home insurance too.

“The horrific fires in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Los Angeles will exacerbate the California homeowners’ insurance crisis, driving premiums higher and likely shrinking a pool of increasingly limited options,” he explained.

“Wildfires continue to be a leading cause of carriers' refusal to insure large geographic swaths of California or leaving the state altogether. Last month, in an attempt to restore stability to California’s homeowners’ insurance market, the state announced new regulations allowing insurers to charge higher premiums to protect themselves from catastrophic wildfire losses. The deregulation marks the largest insurance reform in 30 years and allows insurers to pass the cost of reinsurance on to consumers for the first time ever in California.

“Though it’s standard practice in other states, the move is intended to make the market more attractive to home insurers . For the many and growing critics of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the walk back is ‘too little too late’ and a reminder of the downstream regulatory impact on consumers and business owners in the state. Our hearts go out to those impacted by these terrible fires.”

Ryan Ellis, of Citywide Home Mortgage, explained to MPA how this will affect insurance, “The recent wildfires in Los Angeles will likely result in substantial financial losses for insurance providers, potentially leading to further market withdrawals. This would exacerbate the upward pressure on hazard insurance costs, making homeownership even more unattainable for many residents.

“Californians already face significant challenges in affording homeownership due to high property prices, taxes, and the overall cost-of-living. Over the past decade, a series of devastating wildfires has prompted many insurance companies to withdraw from the state, driving up hazard insurance premiums.”

The fires have also brought out a more apocalyptic mentality, with reports circulating that looters have now started ransacking abandoned homes. And, despite their inordinate wealth and status, celebrities aren’t safe from the encroaching inferno either. The Pacific Palisades, home to the Hollywood elite, have been ravaged by the flames with many famous faces forced to watch their mansions burn to the ground.

Paris Hilton

Source: Paris Hilton Author: Eva Rinaldi  (1971–)  wikidata:Q37885816

Socialite and reality TV icon Paris Hilton was left ‘heartbroken’ when the home she shared with husband Carter Reum and children burned down. Posting on Instagram she added: “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 on to gratitude that my family and pets are safe.”

The Malibu home, reportedly worth $8.4 million, was totally destroyed – with the family only finding out during a live TV report.

James Woods

Actor James Woods broke down in tears with CNN on Wednesday when he revealed his home had been totally destroyed by the fire – and that his eight-year-old niece offered up her own piggy bank to help rebuild it.

“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” Woods said. “She came out with her little Yeti piggy bank, for us to rebuild our house.”

Sir Anthony Hopkins

Hollywood legend Anthony Hopkins was left bereft when the five bedroom home he bought for $6 million in 2021 burned to ash. The Oscar-winning actor bought the home after selling his Malibu ocean-view home for a whopping $10.5 million.

Mandy Moore

The famed singer and This is Us actress posted a video of video of herself and her family fleeing the fires on Instagram. Writing on social media, Moore said she was ‘feeling numb’ but ‘grateful’.

“I love you, Altadena,” she wrote. “Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets). Honestly, I’m in shock and feeling numb for all 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 on the front lines trying to get this under control.”

Ricki Lake

Source: ps://www.flickr.com/photos/minglemediatv/16937624294/ Author: Mingle MediaTV

Hairspray actress Ricki Lake revealed that she’d lost her ‘dream home’ in the fire – posting on Instagram she said she simply ‘can’t believe it’s all gone’.

“After a valiant and brave effort by our friend…Ross and I lost our dream home. This description ‘dream home’ doesn’t suffice. It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together…The loss is immeasurable.”

Eugene Levy

Source: Eugene Levy Master Class Author:  Canadian Film Centre from Toronto, Canada

Schitt’s Creek and American Pie actor Eugene Levy saw his $3.9 million home burn to the ground this week, telling the LA Times that he’d been caught in a gridlock when trying to escape.

“The smoke looked pretty black and intense over Temescal Canyon,” Levy added. “I couldn’t see any flames but the smoke was very dark.”

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester

The acting couple’s home – reportedly a 6,000 square feet mansion with five bedrooms and six bathrooms, was totally destroyed by the fire. The home, which they purchased in 2019 for $6.5 million, has now been seen with smoke billowing from the windows- though the famous pair have yet to comment to the media.

And even those who haven’t seen their mansions succumb to flames aren’t left entirely untouched by the fire. Brooklyn Beckham, son of David and Victoria, posted to Instagram today a shocking picture of the flames from his condo window.  Victoria then also shared her concern and support for those still trapped in the inferno.

“Seeing the devastation and loss caused by these wildfires is truly heartbreaking,” she wrote. “Los Angeles holds such a special place in our family's hearts, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially those who have lost their homes or loved ones. We are immensely grateful to the brave firefighters and first responders who are risking their lives to protect others. Please stay safe and look after each other during this devastating time. Victoria x”

Beauty and the Beast star Josh Gad also expressed his sympathies and support over Facebook – as did former US president Barack Obama, comedian Adam Sandler and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.

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