Zooey Deschanel Loses Childhood Home in L.A. Wildfires: ‘Vanished into Thin Air’

Zooey Deschanel, the well-known star of New Girl, recently shared a profound tribute after losing her childhood home to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. On January 17, she took to Instagram to express her sorrow and shared poignant memories tied to her family residence.

Heartfelt Memories of Home

In her post, Zooey provided a glimpse of her childhood home located in Pacific Palisades. She included a photograph of the house before the flames, alongside a stark contrast—an image of the property reduced to ashes and debris after the wildfires swept through the area. Other photos captured joyful moments featuring her family, including her sister, Emily Deschanel, who is also a prominent actress known for her role in Bones.

A Cherished Sanctuary

Zooey reminisced about her home, describing it as a "marvel of 1920s Spanish revival architecture." She stated, "It was full of incredible memories and one of the oldest homes in the Palisades, so spectacularly beautiful. It was not a mansion, but it was cozy, lovely, unique, and perfect to me." In her emotional reflection, she highlighted how the home was a place of safety and warmth for her family.

In her post, she shared that a friend had referred to the house as "The Church," a tribute to its 14-foot ceilings and stained glass windows that created colorful shadows in the living room. Zooey expressed appreciation for the cherished moments her family celebrated there—Christmas dinners, Easter egg hunts, weddings, and baby showers. She mourned the loss of family photos, precious artwork, and furniture passed down through generations, stating that “all have vanished into thin air.”

Community Support and Gratitude

Zooey conveyed her sympathy for others affected by the wildfires, noting that the streets of her childhood in Pacific Palisades, as well as another neighborhood, Alta Dena, were also severely impacted. She acknowledged that many people, not just herself, had lost everything due to the destruction.

In her closing remarks, she expressed gratitude to those who rallied around her family and the Los Angeles community during this difficult time. Zooey recognized the dedication of the firefighters who worked tirelessly, calling them "true heroes" in the face of disaster. She extended her heartfelt thanks to friends, close and distant, for their kindness and support, which made the grieving process more bearable.

Zooey concluded her tribute by sharing the significant impact of the community’s support, stating that it reminded her of the goodness in humanity, which is invaluable during such challenging times.

Across Los Angeles, over 12,000 structures are estimated to have been destroyed in the wildfires, affecting numerous neighborhoods including Malibu and the Hollywood Hills. Other celebrities like Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, and Paris Hilton also experienced losses as their homes faced the flames.

For ongoing updates and resources on how to assist those impacted by the wildfires, checking local alerts is recommended.

Zooey, Deschanel, wildfire