Jamie Lee Curtis is making a major contribution to help those impacted by the devastating wildfires currently ravaging Southern California. The actress and philanthropist announced that she and her family have pledged $1 million from their Family Foundation to establish a relief fund aimed at supporting the local communities affected by the ongoing crisis.
“As the fire still rages on and @calfire @losangelesfiredepartment and all the available first responders and agencies involved in fighting fire and saving lives are still hard at work and neighbors and friends are banding together to save each other, my husband and I and our children have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there,” Curtis shared in an emotional post on Instagram.
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The actress, known for her roles in Halloween and True Lies, also mentioned she is in direct communication with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Congressman Adam Schiff to ensure that the funds are directed toward the areas most in need. “I’m in communication with Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass and Senator Schiff as to where those funds need to be directed for the most impact,” she added.
Curtis spoke out about the wildfires while appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night, where she described the crisis as “fucking gnarly” and “a really awful situation.” She revealed the impact the fires have had on her own community in Pacific Palisades, where the fires have destroyed large parts of the area. “As you know, where I live is on fire right now. The entire city of Pacific Palisades is burning,” Curtis said, visibly shaken. “I flew here last night, I was on the plane, started getting texts, and it’s fucking gnarly, you guys. It’s just a catastrophe in Southern California.”
The actress continued, describing how the fires have affected her personal life. “Everything: the market I shop in, the schools my kids go to. Many, many, many friends now have lost their homes,” she said. “So it’s a really awful situation.” Her heartfelt comments underscore the widespread destruction and emotional toll the fires are having on those in the region.
The fires, which started on Tuesday, January 7, have already caused significant damage. Over 15,000 acres have burned in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. In addition to the fires in the Pacific Palisades, the Eaton Fire, located east of Los Angeles, has burned through more than 10,000 acres, impacting areas like Altadena and Pasadena. A third fire, the Hurst Fire, has scorched more than 700 acres at the top of the San Fernando Valley.
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As the wildfires continue to spread, the entertainment industry has felt the effects, with numerous events being canceled or postponed. Red carpet premieres for films like Unstoppable, The Last Showgirl, Better Man, and Wolf Man were all called off in light of the fires. Other industry events, such as the Critics Choice Awards and the AFI Awards Luncheon, were also canceled, while the announcement of Oscar nominations was delayed by two days to accommodate an extended voting window.
Filming on several local productions, including Fallout and Abbott Elementary, has also been halted due to the widespread danger and evacuation orders in place. The fire’s impact on the entertainment community has further underscored the urgency of providing support to those affected.
In response to the disaster, the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a nonprofit organization supported by prominent Hollywood figures, has stepped in to coordinate relief efforts. The EIF is working to funnel public donations to frontline workers and displaced individuals affected by the wildfires. The organization previously administered funds for the 2023 Maui wildfires, in collaboration with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
As firefighters and emergency responders continue to battle the blazes, organizations like the EIF and individuals like Curtis are playing a key role in providing relief to the affected communities. Curtis’ $1 million donation, combined with other public and private efforts, is expected to provide crucial support for residents who have lost their homes and businesses.
In these challenging times, the solidarity shown by individuals, including celebrities like Curtis, is helping to bring much-needed resources and attention to the ongoing crisis. With many communities in Southern California still under threat, the collective efforts of public and private sectors continue to be vital in the recovery process.
