Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice, have suffered a heartbreaking loss as their longtime family home was destroyed in the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire.
Crystal, 75, confirmed in a statement to CNN that the house they called home for over 40 years was reduced to ashes as the massive fire continues to burn through West Los Angeles, scorching over 15,000 acres.
“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 shared. “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 among the many residents of Los Angeles who have been profoundly impacted by the wildfires. Fellow actor James Woods became emotional during a CNN interview as he recounted losing his own home in the blaze.
“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” Woods said during the interview. “There was so much chaos, it was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us.”
Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren also shared her personal loss on Instagram, revealing that the beach house she had cherished for nearly three decades was consumed by 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.”
