The devastating wildfires that continue to sweep through Southern California have claimed countless homes, including the Pacific Palisades residence of 77-year-old actor James Woods. Known for his intense performances in films like Once Upon a Time in America and Vampires, Woods opened up about the emotional toll of losing his home during a heartfelt interview with CNN’s Pamela Brown.
The Harrowing Experience
“One day you’re swimming in the pool and the next day it’s all gone,” Woods said, his voice breaking as he described the destruction. The actor, whose net worth is estimated at $8 million, recounted the chaotic moments leading up to his evacuation. He not only had to ensure his own safety but also took on the responsibility of helping his 94-year-old neighbor, who suffers from dementia. “He’d been left alone,” Woods shared. “There was so much chaos, it was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us.”
An Emotional Family Moment
Woods also spoke of an emotional gesture from his wife Sara Miller-Woods’ 8-year-old niece, who retrieved her piggy bank in an effort to contribute to rebuilding their home. “It’s moments like these that remind you of the incredible kindness and resilience of family,” Woods said, visibly moved. Married to Sara since 2015, the actor expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from his loved ones and community.
Sharing the Story on Social Media
As the fires engulfed his neighborhood, Woods took to X (formerly Twitter) to document the devastation. Sharing photos and videos of the flames consuming homes in the Palisades, Woods wrote, “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.” His posts highlighted not only the destruction but also the bravery of the firefighters and emergency crews working tirelessly to combat the flames.
The Impact on Southern California
The fires have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, with Hollywood feeling the impact as well. Productions for popular shows like Hacks and Suits L.A. have been halted, and events such as the Critics Choice Awards have been postponed. “This isn’t just about me,” Woods said. “This is about an entire community coming together in the face of unimaginable loss.”
Reflecting on Strength and Resilience
During his CNN interview, Woods broke down in tears but was met with words of encouragement from Pamela Brown. “Strength is not measured by whether you hold in crying,” Brown said. “Strength is what you are doing now in helping your neighbors and shining a light on the great, amazing work of all those firefighters and emergency crews.”
Woods’ story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of natural disasters. Despite his personal loss, he remains focused on supporting his neighbors and highlighting the resilience of his community. “I thought I would be stronger than this,” he admitted, before expressing gratitude for the kindness and bravery he has witnessed.
As Woods and his family begin the process of rebuilding, his experience stands as a testament to the power of compassion and community. His loss is a sobering reflection of the devastation wrought by these wildfires, but his determination to help others and honor the efforts of emergency responders offers hope in the midst of tragedy.
