As Los Angeles continues to grapple with the damage and loss of life caused by a series of devastating wildfires that have decimated multiple neighborhoods, there is a silver lining of comfort to be found in the way that celebrities are showing up for their communities. Several Hollywood stars have jumped into action, speaking up for their neighbors, praising firefighters, and supporting local relief efforts.
We caught up with actor and producer Enzo Zelocchi who was out and about in LA where numerous famous faces have been seen rallying in aid of the local wildfire response. When asked to comment, the handsome star of upcoming comedy biopic Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day shared, “My heart and prayers go to all the people affected by this horrible disaster. It’s in moments like this that we can show our strength, generosity, and love towards one another.”
After more than a week, first responders continue their efforts to contain the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst blazes which according to Cal Fire have so far consumed roughly 62 sq miles (160 sq km), fanned by unrelenting Santa Ana winds. The meteorology media platform AccuWeather has estimated the total damage and economic loss during this unprecedented crisis to be between $250 billion and $275 billion, making it the most costly in America’s history.
Hollywood Stars Unite Amid Disastrous Los Angeles Fires
Several Hollywood stars have echoed Zelocchi’s sentiments including Chris Pratt who invited his Instagram audience to “come together to support one another during this tough time” and Milla Jovovich who extended gratitude to members of the community working to coordinate donated goods.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan and actor Angelina Jolie have opened their homes to those in need, just as celebrities including Beyonce and Jamie Lee Curtis have pledged sizable donations.
Among the many celebrities and local residents who have lost their homes as the fires have spread through iconic coastal areas of Los Angeles and into the Hollywood hills, it’s likely that Zelocchi’s thoughts will have been with Sir Anthony Hopkins following their collaboration for the critically acclaimed Freud’s Last Session. The Oscar-winning 87-year-old also shared words of inspiration via Instagram after losing his house: “As we all struggle to heal from the devastation of these fires, it’s important we remember that the only thing we take with us is the love we give.”
Enzo Zelocchi
Celebrities Set the Tone After LA Wildfires
While squabbling and blame have dominated political discourse in response to the wildfires, the most iconic names in Hollywood have been proactively focusing on support and compassion. Some among them have also called out shortcomings in order to protect fellow Los Angeles residents, such as Tyler Perry who drew attention to insurance companies that canceled home policies just months before the blazes began.
On these differing responses, Zelocchi shared, “I sincerely hope that California and Los Angeles are going to have new competent leaders soon enough that are not driven by an ideology but by love, logic, common sense, freedom, and really serve The People by prioritizing California’s best interests.”
Although Hollywood events such as the Critics’ Choice Awards and Oscar nominations may have been postponed due to the ongoing situation in Los Angeles, it seems that local celebrities are certainly in the spotlight. Before leaving us, Zelocchi reaffirms this idea with an optimistic flash of his signature screen-ready smile and a simple closer: “California will rise and shine again.”
