Billy Crystal and his wife Janice have lost their home of more than four decades to the Pacific Palisades fire.
In a statement shared with CNN, Crystal confirmed their house burned down as a result of the now 15,000-acre fire raging in West L.A.
“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy,” Crystal said. “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.”
The statement continued, “We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this. We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders. The Pacific Palisades is a resilient community of amazing people and we know in time it will rise again. It is our home.”
Crystal is one of the many Los Angeles-based actors who have lost their homes to the blaze. James Woods broke down in tears during an interview with CNN after he lost his home to the Palisades fire.
“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” Woods said in his on-air interview. “There was so much chaos, it was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us.”
Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren took to Instagram to share that her beach house of almost 30 years was lost in the fire.
“There’s a rainbow shining on it which I’m taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy,” Warren wrote. “The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing. Stay safe everyone.”
Starting Tuesday, raging fires have broken out all across the greater Los Angeles area due to a severe wind storm, with the worst being in the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Canyon. On Wednesday night, another blaze started in the Hollywood Hills, causing Los Angeles icons like the TLC Chinese Theater and the Magic Castle to close.