The Los Angeles wildfires have wreaked havoc, claiming at least 10 lives and obliterating thousands of homes, with fears the death count will climb. Amidst the widespread looting and pandemonium, Pacific Palisades has been particularly hard hit, reduced to ashes.
The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner noted: “The identification may take several weeks as the Department of Medical Examiner is not able to respond to all death locations due to the fire conditions and safety concerns.”
Even the glittering world of Hollywood hasn’t escaped the catastrophe, with celebs like Paris Hilton losing their homes to the ruthless flames. British personalities residing in California have suffered similar fates: Take That’s Mark Owen and legendary actor Anthony Hopkins are amongst those who’ve watched their homes turn to debris.
Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins has been left with nothing but the shell of his once-lavish $6 million estate in the Pacific Palisades, purchased just a year prior. Only remnants of the colonial-style mansion remain after the blaze, which isn’t the first time fire has wreaked havoc in Hopkins’ life.
In 2018, during the Woolsey fire, Hopkins was compelled to evacuate as the flames threatened his abode; though spared then, his neighbour wasn’t so fortunate, reports the Express.
In 2000, Anthony’s London residence was engulfed in flames while he was in Los Angeles.
Cary Elwes
The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes also heartbreakingly revealed the loss of his Malibu abode post-evacuation – capturing the harrowing scene as he made his escape earlier in the week. The English actor took to social media to share: “Sadly, we did lose our home but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.”
He further expressed solidarity with others affected: “Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also wish to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it.”
Cary also acknowledged the stream of support they’ve received: “We want to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support. It really means a great deal to us.”
Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field, despite deciding to sell their LA estate valued at £51.6million in 2024, have felt the disruption of the wildfires first hand. As devastation spread, it threw their family life into turmoil.
Robbie’s highly anticipated ‘Better Man’ film premiere slated for this week in the city was axed owing to safety fears amidst the inferno. To add to their woes, Ayda’s parents’ property is also feared lost to the blaze. With the situation spiraling into “chaos”, Robbie and Ayda found refuge in a hotel, meanwhile, Ayda’s mother battles cervical cancer and now faces chemo alongside losing her home.
Ayda revealed: “It’s chaos here – it looks like some kind of warzone and it’s just all so sad. I’ve had about ten people evacuated with me including my dad, who has potentially lost his house.
“We’re waiting to hear whether he has in fact lost everything and my mum has chemo early tomorrow too.”
Mark Owen
A post shared by Mark’s wife Emma Owen revealed their family has also been forced to evacuate – and they are now anxiously waiting to find out if their home has been destroyed in the fires. Emma updated fans via Instagram: “Thank you for all your messages and checking in. I can’t quite comprehend what happened here, but we are safe. The hurricane-force winds and lack of water have meant the fire has spread catastrophically fast and taken much of our beloved area with it. Schools, homes, shops, and stables are all gone.
“We woke up to helicopters, thick black smoke, winds howling, and the uncertainty that our house would survive. I wish I had packed better. Even if I had just grabbed each of their baby shoes, it would have been something.
“So many have lost everything, pets included. And it’s nowhere near over. Three active fires are blazing around us, and there is not enough water to manage the situation. Planes are grounded due to the winds.
“I’m not sure what our next step is. Right now, I’m just heavy and tired. We are beyond grateful to the heroes at @losangelesfiredepartment for all they do during these times. They work tirelessly to save homes and lives under catastrophic conditions. We see you. Climate change is real, and it’s apocalyptic when it strikes.”
Emma and Mark have sought refuge in separate locations, with Emma staying in a hotel with her two daughters and pets, while Mark remained at his music studio with the “two bigger dogs and the cats”. Emma further stated: “We managed to get the horse to safety, although the horse might have to be rescued again because where they were moved to is now under threat.”
UK TV stars
The future of some British celebrities’ homes remains uncertain, as EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer, Scots Good Morning Britain star Ross King and even Dame Helen Mirren face the potential loss of their properties as firefighters battle to control the flames.
Patsy expressed her heartbreak over the LA fires, writing: “My heart is broken. My brain is fried today looking at the devastating scenes of the fires AGAIN in my hometown. I just returned home to my home in case after the fires a couple of weeks ago and left on Saturday back to work in the UK and now this.
“My family are safe but lots of my friends have lost their homes again which is extremely traumatic. Being here so far away is really really hard. I’m praying and crying as I write this. I’m helpless here but praying hard. Please reach out if you need anything. Richard and kids are there safe and evacuated.”
British actress Alice Evans has also “packed bags” and is ready to abandon her LA home.
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