Billy Crystal Is ‘Heartbroken’ Amid Devastating Loss in Palisades Fire

Billy Crystal has joined the growing list of celebrities who have lost homes in the wildfires that ravaged Southern California in early January.

The actor confirmed the loss of his family’s home located in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood in a statement published by People. Crystal’s home, which he shared with his wife Janice for nearly 50 years, burned on Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Palisades Fire.

🤩 📺 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🤩🎥

The When Harry Met Sally star said that words alone “cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing” in his statement. “We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy,” he said.

The Princess Bride actor reflected on the decades he and his family spent in their home, which he and Janice moved into back in 1979. “We raised our children and grandchildren here,” Crystal said. “Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”

Related: Paris Hilton Speaks Out After Watching Malibu Home ‘Burn to the Ground on Live TV’

The comedian said he and his wife are praying for the first responders who are battling the blaze. He then declared the Pacific Palisades “a resilient community” and predicted that, “in time,” the neighborhood “will rise again.”

The Palisades Fire ignited on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and burned more than 15,800 acres by 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The dry weather and high wind speeds that Southern California experienced in the first few days of 2025 made conditions difficult for the firefighters who were fighting the blaze and others that ignited in the area. The Palisades Fire was at 0 percent containment as of Wednesday evening, with at least 300 structures destroyed. At least five people have died.

In addition to the Palisades Fire, firefighters in the region were battling four other wildfires in Los Angeles County, CNN reported Wednesday evening. The Eaton Fire, which also ignited on Tuesday, burned at least 10,600 acres by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Cal Fire. 

Next: Ricki Lake Pens Emotional Tribute to ‘Dream Home’ Lost to Palisades Fire: ‘It’s All Gone’