The wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have brought fear, destruction, and heartache to countless families, and one of those feeling the impact firsthand is actress Jamie Lee Curtis, 66. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Curtis struggled to hold back tears as she spoke about the devastating blaze threatening her neighborhood in Pacific Palisades.
Although celebrities often seem larger than life, moments like these remind us that they are also human, with homes, memories, and loved ones caught in the same disasters as everyone else. The fires ravaging Southern California have affected entire communities, and Curtis, like many, is feeling the pain of seeing her home at risk.
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Curtis had just landed in New York City to promote her new movie, The Last Showgirl, when she learned that the fire was dangerously close to her home. Though her house was ultimately spared, many people in her neighborhood weren’t as lucky. She spoke with visible emotion about the loss that friends and neighbors had suffered, describing it as truly heartbreaking.
When Curtis took the stage, the warm reception from the audience moved her deeply. Holding back tears, she began by thanking them, but quickly became overwhelmed as she acknowledged what was happening back home. “As you know, where I live is on fire right now,” she said through tears. “Literally, the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning.”
She recalled receiving alarming messages while flying across the country the night before. “It’s just terrifying,” she said. “It’s a catastrophe in Southern California.” Curtis emphasized that although wildfires are not uncommon, it’s a different experience when the fire reaches your doorstep and affects the places that shape your daily life—your grocery store, your children’s schools, your friends’ homes.
Her voice shook as she shared how many of her friends had already lost everything. She made it clear that she planned to return to L.A. immediately to be with her family and support those in need. Her commitment to being present during the crisis showed the depth of her connection to her community and loved ones.
Curtis also used the moment to ask viewers for help. She encouraged everyone to support the American Red Cross, whether they live on the West Coast or not. “They are the people who show up in moments like this,” she explained, urging donations, blood drives, or any other form of assistance people could offer. She stressed how even if you’re not affected now, there may come a time when you’ll need help, too.
As a long-time ambassador for the Red Cross, Curtis also reminded people about the importance of being ready for emergencies. She recommended creating a go-bag with essentials like prescription medications, glasses, baby formula, pet food, and anything else you might need if forced to evacuate.
Later, Curtis shared a touching post on Instagram showing what remained of her church after the fire. It wasn’t just any building to her—it was where she had found strength and healing. “It’s the place I got sober 25 years ago,” she wrote. “I think of all the people who came there seeking peace and new beginnings.” Her words captured the depth of what was lost—both the physical space and the emotional significance it carried.
Curtis, who shares two daughters with her husband Christopher Guest, repeated her desire to return home quickly. Her focus now is on helping her friends and neighbors through the crisis.
With at least five lives already lost, thousands of homes destroyed, and firefighters working around the clock under dangerous conditions, the situation remains dire. Curtis’s heartfelt message is a powerful reminder of how important it is to come together in times of disaster.
If you’re looking for ways to help, consider donating to the American Red Cross or any organization providing support to those impacted by the wildfires. By sharing this story, you can help raise awareness and show solidarity with the people affected by this tragedy.
