Absolutely heartbreaking.
The scenes coming out of California are devastating, with three separate wildfires threatening thousands of homes in the Los Angeles area.
Two people have already been killed by the blazes, and over 80,000 people have been evacuated as the fires are currently zero percent contained thanks to record-low humidity and the Santa Ana winds making it difficult for firefighters to make progress.
The largest of the three fires, the Palisades fire, has already grown to over 12,000 acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history. And one of those homes that’s been destroyed belonged to legendary actor James Woods.
The actor has won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, and has twice been nominated for Academy Awards. His impressive resume includes roles on Broadway, television and film, including roles in movies like Casino, Any Given Sunday, Once Upon a Time in America, and many more.
He also recently released an autobiographical album, Hear the Thunder Crack, with songs written by Woods and performed by Shooter Jennings.
But today, he’s dealing with the heartbreak of losing his home in the deadly fires.
During an appearance on CNN, Woods was visibly emotional as he discussed the horror of having his home destroyed – and recalled a heartbreaking offer for help that he and his wife, Sara Miller-Woods, received from their niece:
“Sara was on with her 8-year old niece last night, and she came out…
I’m sorry, one day you’re swimming in the pool and the next it’s all gone. But she came out with her little Yeti piggy bank to rebuild our house.”
Woods apologized for being unable to hold back the tears, but I think a lot of people watching had tears in their eyes listening to him recall that kindness from an innocent child.
WATCH: Actor James Woods sobs after losing home in wildfire, says niece offered her piggy bank to help rebuild😢
"One day you're swimming in the pool, and the next day it's all gone." pic.twitter.com/XVOmiODN4A
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 8, 2025
The fires are obviously still raging, so it will be quite a while before anybody in the area can even begin to think about rebuilding. But if you’re wanting to help those affected, GlobalGiving has launched a California Wildfire Relief Fund to help address urgent needs of food, water, fuel and shelter for those who have been devastated by the fires. The organization is a top rated charity on Charity Navigator, which means that when you donate, you can be sure your funds are actually going towards their intended purpose.
And there are going to be a lot of people who need help when it’s all said and done, with tackling the fires becoming such a challenge that fire hydrants are running out of water and peak winds of 100 mph making it impossible for helicopters and other aerial assets to dump water on the blazes.
Through it all, though, Woods took to social media with a message after losing his home:
“There is no possession as priceless as friends and good neighbors during a tragedy. I can’t believe the blessings we enjoy, and I am humbly grateful.”
We renovated a home after COVID and just finished last month. To all the lovely people offering care and love, I’ll say this.
There is no possession as priceless as friends and good neighbors during a tragedy. I can’t believe the blessings we enjoy, and I am humbly grateful.
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 8, 2025
Amen.
Everybody stay safe out there, and keep the people of California in your thoughts and prayers as they tackle this terrible tragedy.
