Cover The Hollywood Sign is seen with smoke from multiple wildfires on January 08, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
The Hollywood Sign is seen with smoke from multiple wildfires on January 08, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
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With homes destroyed, hundreds of thousands evacuated, celebrities are coming together to showcase compassion and solidarity in the face of crisis
Multiple fires have broken out in Southern California in the past three days, destroying thousands of homes, including those of Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, Eugene Levy, Mandy Moore and many others, and forcing over 180,000 people to evacuate.
Amid the chaos, stories of solidarity and resilience have emerged, with celebrities stepping up to support each other as well as their communities. From calling for donations to releasing help information, the entertainment industry shows that camaraderie and compassion can prevail in the face of an emergency.
Here are some stars who have spoken up on the devastation.
Paris Hilton is saving animals
Despite losing a home herself, Paris Hilton has been at the forefront of the relief efforts. Her foundation managed to collect US$800,000 in 72 hours, all for the emergency relief organisation CORE. She has also pledged a US$150,000 grant to GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund to provide immediate cash assistance to 150 displaced Altadena families.
The famous animal lover has also volunteered at the Pasadena Humane Society, helping with displaced pets. She sent out an Instagram post looking for the owners of a lost cat. Within a day, the family managed to connect with the centre. Hilton is also fostering a dog named Zuzu.
William McNamara rescues animals
After seeing what looked like “an atomic bomb” go off, actor and animal rights activist William McNamara jumped into his car and drove to Pacific Palisades to help rescue animals and pets. He also told an MSNB reporter that those evacuating should put signs on their windows alerting rescues to any pets that might be left inside.
McNamara assisted in animal rescue during the 2018 Woolsey Fire.
Jamie Lee Curtis pledges US$1 million to relief efforts
Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis, who also lost her home in the fires, has pledged to donate US$1 million to relief efforts. She also spoke out about the wildfires on The Tonight Show and encouraged others to donate to the Red Cross.
Jean Smart calls on networks to donate their revenue
The multiple Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress posted on Instagram: “ATTENTION! With ALL due respect, during Hollywood’s season of celebration, I hope any of the networks televising the upcoming awards will seriously consider NOT televising them and donating the revenue they would have garnered to the victims of the fires and the firefighters.”
Steve Guttenberg is hands-on helping his neighbourhood
Three Men And a Baby star Steve Guttenberg was caught on camera by a local news channel urging residents to evacuate and leave their keys in their cars so first responders could progress quickly. In a separate interview with CNN, he also revealed how he helped evacuate a neighbour’s pets.
Anya Taylor-Joy is urging people to be prepared
Above Photo: Instagram / @anyataylorjoy
Photo: Instagram / @anyataylorjoy
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On Instagram Stories, the Queen’s Gambit star Anya Taylor-Joy advised Los Angeles residents to ready go-bags and to prepare an air purifier. “Charge your phones. Leave water outside for the animals. Stay alert. My heart breaks for this city and those who have lost their homes. Only love,” she continued.
The Duke And Duchess of Sussex have opened their home
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a statement on Sussex.com. “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more—affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.”
The couple also encouraged people to support Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen, which is feeding first responders and victims, CAL Fire, and the LA Fire Department Foundation. They also called for donations to the American Red Cross.
Currently, they've opened their Montecito home to displaced friends and have been coordinating with World Central Kitchen to provide essential supplies and aid. Jennifer Garner was also spotted distributing meals to displaced residents and first responders.
Blake Lively is helping spread useful information
Blake Lively has been posting actively to disseminate information useful for victims of the wildfires (photo: blakelively on Instagram)
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Blake Lively, lately in the news for It Ends With Us, has been actively posting links to resources to help victims. She also reminded people that according to California law, everyone must be able to stay in shelters regardless of immigration status or citizenship.
Beyonce is donating via her foundation
Beyonce's mother, Tina, lost her Malibu bungalow to the fire. Meanwhile, her daughter has donated US$25m to the newly launched LA Fire Relief Fund via her charity BeyGood. According to BeyGood's Instagram, “the fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, and to churches and community centres to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.”
Eva Longoria is welcoming displaced friends
The Desperate Housewives star donated US$50,000 to This Is About Humanity, which is supporting frontline workers and victims. She and her family evacuated their home after the alarms, but are now hosting friends who have lost their houses.
“It’s been a crazy week, devastating for so many people, so many friends who have lost a lot...It's not things, it's just memories and things that people have worked really hard for,” Longoria said on Instagram.
Leonardo DiCaprio is aiding recovery efforts
Above Leonardo DiCaprio has recently announced his donation to aid in the post-fire recovery efforts. (photo: @leonardodicaprio on Instagram)
Leonardo DiCaprio has recently announced his donation to aid in the post-fire recovery efforts. (photo: @leonardodicaprio on Instagram)
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In a lengthy Instagram Story, the Revenant actor announced that he would be donating US$1m in partnership with his organisation Re:wild. He wrote, “Initial aid will immediately benefit the LA Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, California Community Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society, and SoCal Fire Fund—organisations on the frontlines providing much-needed resources to our first responders and firefighters, and the people, animals and communities who need it most.”
Jay Leno is feeding responders
The former talk show host and car enthusiast delivered meals to first responders using his vintage 1914 Christie fire truck. He's been making his way through different disaster response areas.
Vanessa Bryant is packing hygiene kits
Bryant posted a video of volunteers at Baby2Baby disaster relief centre. In her caption she wrote, “Kob and I used to live in the Palisades when we first got married (sadly, that home was on the street where the initial fire started 💔). We have so many beautiful memories from living in L.A. There are no words to make all the loss and devastation any better. My heart and prayers go out to everyone in LA who are affected by the fires. Our @mambamambacitasports is currently working to help the L.A. community. We love you, L.A. #LASTRONG #We❤️LA ! We Love you @baby2baby ! ❤️”
Demi Lovato and Jessica Alba were also seen packing hygiene kits for victims.
Halle Berry and Sharon Stone are donating clothes
The two Oscar-winning actresses are donating their “entire closet” to those who need clothing after the wildfire. Berry also shared a video of the donation drive setup at COOP, a Beverly Hills-based home goods business, where people are organising necessities, such as blankets and clothing.
