Hollywood star Mel Gibson, 69, has lost his beloved California home to the devastating Palisades fire.
While in Austin, Texas, recording an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the actor and director received the heartbreaking news that the wildfire had razed the home he had cherished for 15 years.
The blaze, according to the BBC, rapidly engulfed Gibson's neighborhood, consuming homes in its fiery wake. Fortunately, his longtime girlfriend Rosalind Ross and their seven-year-old son Lars Gerard Gibson managed to evacuate safely before the fire reached their residence.
During his conversation with Joe Rogan, Gibson was already aware of the peril facing his neighborhood. He remarked that the area was "on fire" and voiced his frustrations over the lack of response from California Governor Gavin Newsom, humorously quipping, "I think all our tax dollars probably went for Gavin’s hair gel."
Upon returning to California, the 69-year-old actor confirmed the devastating loss of his $14.5 million Malibu mansion. In an interview with Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation, he recounted his initial reaction: “I thought, ‘Eh, I wonder if my place is still there.’ When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there.”
A Property Steeped in History
Gibson had been trying to sell his sprawling estate for years, even reducing the asking price by $3 million. The expansive mansion, built in 1996, was acquired by Gibson in 2008 for $11.5 million. The five-bedroom property, noted for its grand, old-world charm and castle-like turret, was a true architectural gem.
Despite his immense gratitude that his family was unscathed, Gibson admitted that the loss was deeply emotional. “I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I can’t get back," he shared. "Everything from photographs to files, to personal mementos from over the years, and even some pretty cool clothing—but all of that can be replaced.”
He emphasized, “These are only things. The good news is that my family and loved ones are all well, happy, healthy, and out of harm’s way. That’s all I can care about, really.”
Gibson described the devastation in his neighborhood as unparalleled: “I’ve never seen such a complete burn.” He noted that other celebrities, including his neighbor actor Ed Harris, may have also lost their homes. Properties belonging to Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal were reportedly destroyed as well.
Resilient Amidst the Ruins
Reflecting on the loss of his own property, the Braveheart star remarked, "It was completely toasted." Gibson even managed to inject some humor into the situation during his conversation with Vargas, saying, “I went home and I said to myself, ‘Well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.’” He also mentioned, with relief, that his "chickens survived—it was amazing."
The ongoing wildfire crisis in California has impacted many residents, including high-profile figures like Gibson. The destruction is a stark reminder of the relentless threat these fires pose. Critiquing the authorities' response, Gibson told Fox News, “Apparently, some people were asleep on the job, mainly our leaders. That’s something they have to live with. Kids are traumatized. Someone should answer for it.”
Watch the video below to hear more from Gibson and other celebrities who have experienced similar losses.
