Thousands of Southern California residents on Wednesday were told to evacuate their homes as a new wildfire was spreading rapidly north of Los Angeles.
The Hughes fire started about 70 kilometres north of Los Angeles on Wednesday.
According to the fire department, the flames spread over an area of more than 38 square kilometres within a few hours. As of Wednesday afternoon it was 0% contained, said LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone.
More than 31,000 people were told to evacuate while a further 20,000 were in areas affected by evacuation warnings, said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna. According to authorities, there were no initial reports of properties destroyed by the new fire.
Thick smoke hung over the region. Television pictures showed burning hills and huge clouds of smoke. A section of Highway 5, an important California transport artery, was closed temporarily. Authorities pointed to continuing winds that would contribute to increased fire danger.
In the past few days, thousands of firefighters had made progress in fighting two other wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
The Eaton fire near Pasadena was 91% contained as of Wednesday, while the Palisades fire, which burned across a wide area on the western edge of Los Angeles, was nearly 70% under control.
According to estimates, more than 15,000 buildings have been destroyed or damaged in the area affected by the Eaton and Palisades blazes. The number of confirmed deaths rose to 28.
Wildfire north of Los Angeles forces thousands to flee
A rapidly spreading wildfire north of Los Angeles has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes as firefighters battle to contain the blaze. The fire, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon, has already consumed thousands of acres of land and is threatening several communities in the area.
Officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for several neighborhoods as the fire continues to spread at an alarming rate. The fire is being fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making it difficult for firefighters to gain control of the blaze.
Residents are being urged to evacuate immediately and to follow all instructions from emergency officials. The Red Cross has set up evacuation centers to provide shelter and support for those affected by the fire.
As the wildfire continues to burn out of control, officials are warning residents to stay vigilant and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. The safety and well-being of residents is the top priority as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the blaze.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating wildfire, and we are grateful for the bravery and dedication of the firefighters working to protect our communities. Stay safe, stay informed, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
The 52nd Annual Saturn Awards are right around the corner. With that in mind, The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films has revealed the initial recipients of special tribute and honorary awards at the show. This will take place on Sunday, February 2nd, at The Hilton Universal City Hotel. These include William Shatner, the cast of “Back to the Future”, and Prime Video’s “Fallout”. Along with that, they will have fundraising efforts to benefit those affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires.
THE SATURN AWARDS’ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Saturn Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those in either film and/or television for their outstanding work. To honor their illustrious careers as artists and icons and those who have helped further genre entertainment in the industry and beyond.
With that said, this year’s recipient is William Shatner, aka Captain Kirk. Shatner has hosted two of the first televised Saturn Awards in the late 70s. He has also won Best Actor for “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”. Last year he presented Robert Forster Artist’s Award to Seth MacFarlane.
THE GEORGE PAL MEMORIAL AWARD
The George Pal Memorial Award is presented to someone who has shown exemplary work in the respective film genres. This year The Saturn Awards is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the all-time classic time-travel adventure “Back to the Future”. They will be bestowing this honor on its filmmakers and stars. Representing the film will be Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson, writer & producer Bob Gale, and composer Alan Silvestri.
SATURN AWARDS’ THE SPOTLIGHT AWARD
The Spotlight Award is given to a film or series that the Academy deems worthy of special recognition and accolades. This year’s recipient will be Prime Video’s “Fallout” and its cast and creators. It will be presented by Ron Perlman. The Academy says “Fallout” has exceeded gamers’ expectations and welcomed millions of new science fiction fans into its world of post-apocalyptic adventure, retro-futuristic intrigue, and darkly comedic survival.
LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
With Los Angeles County being hit by deadly, destructive wildfires, there is an urgent need for support in the community. The Academy is using this platform to celebrate achievements in genre to give viewers nationwide and attending the event information on how to donate and support the rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles. This necessary initiative is looking to raise awareness and provide vital contact information to help the city recover.
The Saturn Awards will be live-streamed for FREE on both Electric Entertainment’s premium OTT app and FAST channel, ElectricNOW , and The Roku Channel.
The 52nd Annual Saturn Special & Tribute Awards has just been revealed, and along with it, comes the announcement of special wildfire fundraising efforts.
This year, the Saturn Awards will be honoring the best in science fiction, fantasy, and horror across film, television, and streaming platforms. From groundbreaking performances to innovative storytelling, this year’s winners are sure to impress fans and critics alike.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the Saturn Awards will also be raising funds for those affected by the devastating wildfires that have swept through various parts of the country. With homes destroyed and lives uprooted, the entertainment industry is coming together to support those in need.
From special auctions to donation drives, the Saturn Awards are committed to making a difference in the lives of those impacted by the wildfires. So join us in celebrating the best in genre entertainment and in giving back to those in need.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 52nd Annual Saturn Special & Tribute Awards and how you can support the wildfire fundraising efforts. Let’s come together to make a difference in the world.
Meghan Markle has been mocked by Candace Owens after a reporter sought to explain her help for Los Angeles wildfire victims during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to the wildfire zone.
“She stooped down and she picked up the lid of a plastic bin,” Owens said in a TikTok clip. “And that’s how I knew my girl was real, and I just want to thank Meghan for doing that. It’s very helpful for her to stoop down and do that.”
Owens told Newsweek in a statement: “I agree with the general public sentiment that Meghan and Harry are inauthentic ambulance chasers.”
Why It Matters
Meghan and Harry’s visit to the wildfire zone sits neatly within the remit of a traditional royal engagement, but the fact the couple are no longer working royals appears to have landed badly with some people.
They were likely not helped by the fact much of the news footage showed them talking to World Central Kitchen staff and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo or walking through ruined streets rather than packing boxes with aid for victims.
However, it remains the case that the Sussexes appear to be in the same negative spiral with conservative Americans that they had been in with conservative Brits prior to quitting the royal family.
Candace Owens attends the Cliveden Literary Festival in Windsor, England, on October 23, 2021. In the inset, Meghan Markle is seen in Los Angeles on January 10. The duchess has been mocked by Owens for… Candace Owens attends the Cliveden Literary Festival in Windsor, England, on October 23, 2021. In the inset, Meghan Markle is seen in Los Angeles on January 10. The duchess has been mocked by Owens for trying to help people affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
David Levenson/Getty Images and AP Photo/Ethan Swope
Owens shared a clip of an interview with Gordo, in which the reporter said: “It looked as if the two of them might want to really be helpful, as I saw actually Meghan Markle, like, stoop down and take off the lid of a plastic bin. Do they really want to get down and dirty?”
Owens said: “If there’s any plastic bins that you guys see around that need picking up, you can hit up your girl Meghan Markle. It’s amazing.
“I really just got such a chuckle out of that description. It’s just such a nonsense. Nobody cares. Send money, send food, it’s about what these people need.
“They need donations, they need a place to live, they need hotels. That’s not to say they aren’t doing that, I’m sure perhaps they are in the background, but I just don’t understand this visit.”
She also mocked Meghan’s decision to postpone her Netflix show With Love, Meghan.
“Meghan, our duchess, has decided that she’s going to push the Netflix series, the one that we showed you of her cooking, its so relatable.
“She felt that maybe it would not be relatable at this time to see her cooking in a mansion that belongs to one of her friends and inviting over her rich and fabulous people as she gets honey out of the garden and presents perfect Martha Stewart-looking cakes.
“They thought maybe it’s not the right time, it was kind of devastating that they’re going to have to push that but then people will be able to watch it at a later time.”
The clip of Owens’ comments was liked 27,000 times and viewed 550,000 times after being posted on TikTok.
What People Are Saying
Not everyone agreed with Owens, asone comment on her post read: “I like Candace, but the Meghan Markle hate is ridiculous.”
Another commenter said: “I don’t understand how a reporter’s question of one moment of Meghan volunteer work, probably in the middle of doing something, is now a bit to again criticize Meghan. That makes no sense.”
What Happens Next
Meghan’s cooking show With Love, Meghan, postponed in the wake of the L.A. fires, will now launch on March 4.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
Update 1/16/25, 3:30 p.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.
Do you have a question about Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We’d love to hear from you.
In a recent tweet, conservative commentator Candace Owens took a jab at Meghan Markle for her efforts to help those affected by wildfires in California. Owens mocked Markle’s plea for donations, suggesting that the Duchess of Sussex’s message was insincere and attention-seeking.
Owens’ tweet sparked controversy online, with many criticizing her for belittling Markle’s charitable efforts. Some argued that any help, no matter how small, is valuable in times of crisis.
Markle has been vocal about her support for various humanitarian causes, including those related to the environment and natural disasters. However, her actions have often been met with criticism and skepticism from some quarters.
It remains to be seen how Markle will respond to Owens’ mocking comments, but one thing is clear: the debate over celebrity activism and the role of public figures in charitable efforts is far from over.
LOS ANGELES — Actress Halle Berry has taken a heartfelt step to support those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Berry announced on Instagram on Jan. 9 that she was donating her entire wardrobe to those in need.
The Oscar-winner is collaborating with fellow actress Sharon Stone and +COOP, a home goods store in Beverly Hills, to promote donation efforts, collecting gently used clothing for men, women and children displaced by the fires.
+COOP was founded by real estate agent Jenna Cooper and turned its shop into up a temporary fire relief donation collection center amid the deadly wildfires.
“I’m packing up my entire closet and heading over to the COOP! If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same,” Berry wrote in the caption of her Instagram post on Thursday. “This is something we can do right now today to help all of the displaced families that are in need of the basics today!”
She added, “Thank you @sharonstone for your leadership. Love you Lady .”
The post included a video clip originally shared on Stone’s Instagram account a day earlier, in which Stone is heard promoting the donation effort.
“We’re at the COOP at 7282 Beverly Blvd., collecting gently used clothing for kids, men, women, children, people that have been displaced and affected by the fire,” she says, before taking viewers inside the shop to show the relief effort in action.
She added, “We have beautiful cashmere sweaters, jeans, new socks, shoes, clothes, blankets … you can come and shop, you can also come and donate.”
In a separate post on Jan. 9, Stone revealed that donations were already “pouring in,” adding, “We had to make a makeshift sign because we had cars lined up around the block donating.”
The LA wildfires have caused significant destruction, resulting in thousands of families being displaced.
At least 24 people have died and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for. Firefighters continue to battle the flames, which remain only partially contained and have been fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds.
In addition to Berry and Stone, other celebrities, organizations and major corporations have also stepped up to support wildfire relief efforts.
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation has donated $2.5 million for LA wildfire relief. SAG-AFTRA said over the weekend that it had donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation “to assist members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.”
Halle Berry, the award-winning actress and philanthropist, is making a generous donation to help those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. The actress took to social media to announce that she will be donating her “entire closet” to support the victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles.
In her post, Berry expressed her sadness over the destructive wildfires and urged her followers to join her in supporting those in need. She shared a photo of herself standing in front of her closet, which was filled with designer clothes, shoes, and accessories that she will be donating to those who have lost everything in the fires.
Berry’s donation is just one of the many ways that celebrities and individuals are coming together to support those affected by the wildfires. The fires have caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands of people and destroying homes and businesses.
It’s heartwarming to see celebrities like Halle Berry using their platform and resources to make a difference in times of crisis. Let’s continue to support those affected by the wildfires and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
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California wildfires, Halle Berry, donation, LA wildfire victims, celebrity donation, California disaster relief, Halle Berry closet donation, celebrity philanthropy, wildfire relief efforts, California wildfires impact, California wildfires news.
NEW YORK (AP) — The 2025 Grammy Awards are right around the corner, which means it is time to get those viewing party plans in action. Allow us to help.
The 67th annual Grammy Awards will still take place Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles — though the Recording Academy has refocused its aim to support relief efforts following the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires.
Here’s what you need to know about watching the 2025 Grammys, including how to stream and where you can see music’s biggest stars walking the red carpet.
When does the Grammys start and how can I watch?
The main show will air live on CBS and Paramount+ beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern. Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers can also watch live and on demand.
How do I stream the Grammys?
The Grammys can also be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and FuboTV.
Paramount+ subscribers will be able to stream the Grammy Awards the day after the ceremony.
How can I watch the red carpet?
The Associated Press will stream a three-hour red carpet show with interviews and fashion footage. It will be streamed on YouTube and APNews.com.
Who is nominated for the Grammys?
Beyoncé leads the Grammy nods with 11, bringing her career total to 99 nominations. That makes her the most nominated artist in Grammy history.
As of 2023, she’s also the most decorated artist, having earned 32 trophies across her career.
Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and Charli XCX follow with seven nominations.
Taylor Swift and first-time nominees Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan boast six nominations each.
How will the Los Angeles-area wildfires affect the Grammys?
The 2025 Grammy Awards will go on as planned but will focus its attention on wildfire relief efforts.
Each year, the Recording Academy hosts a multitude of events to welcome the music industry during Grammy week; record labels do the same. However, many institutions have canceled their plans — Universal Music Group, BMG and Warner Music Group among them — and instead are allocating resources to Los Angeles-area wildfire relief and rebuilding efforts.
On Wednesday, the Recording Academy announced it had condensed pre-Grammy week plans to just four events, each featuring a fundraising element.
Events like the annual pre-Grammy Black Music Collective event, Grammy advocacy brunch, and others scheduled to take place at the immersive pop-up Grammy house have been canceled. In all, at least 16 pre-Grammy events sponsored by the Recording Academy have been canceled.
“We understand how devastating this past week has been on this city and its people. This is our home, it’s home to thousands of music professionals, and many of us have been negatively impacted,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement.
Last week, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with a $1 million donation. According to the letter, thanks to additional contributions, they’ve already distributed $2 million in emergency aid.
How is the broader music industry responding to the fires?
Universal Music Group, one of the big three major record labels, has canceled all of its Grammy-related events. Those include its annual artist showcase, held on Saturday, and its after-party on the Sunday of Grammy week. Instead, it will redirect those funds to wildfire relief.
BMG will no longer host its pre-Grammy party and a representative for Warner Music Group confirmed to The Associated Press that the major label will not host a party this year and are instead “redirecting funds to support efforts.” Earlier this week, WMG and the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund pledged $1 million to Los Angeles area fire relief and rebuilding efforts.
Sony Music Group confirmed it has canceled its events during Grammy week and after the ceremony and will instead redirect efforts and money to local relief efforts.
MusiCares, an organization that helps music professionals who need financial, personal or medical assistance, holds its annual Persons of the Year benefit gala at the Los Angeles Convention Center a few days before the Grammys. The 2025 gala will still take place on Jan. 31, this year honoring the Grateful Dead with an additional commitment to wildfire relief.
“At our upcoming Persons of the Year, we will make a special appeal for donations to support our wildfire relief efforts,” according to an email sent by the Recording Academy to its members on Tuesday.
The 2025 Grammy Awards are set to take place on January 26th, 2025. The highly anticipated event will showcase the best in the music industry, with nominees spanning various genres and talents.
In addition to celebrating musical excellence, the 2025 Grammy Awards will also shine a spotlight on wildfire relief efforts. With the increase in devastating wildfires around the world, the music community is coming together to raise awareness and support those affected by these natural disasters.
Stay tuned for updates on the nominees and performers for the 2025 Grammy Awards, as well as information on how you can join in the wildfire relief efforts. It’s sure to be a night to remember, filled with incredible performances and meaningful contributions to those in need.
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2025 Grammy Awards, Grammy Awards date 2025, 2025 Grammy Awards nominees, Grammy Awards wildfire relief efforts, Grammy Awards 2025 updates
Music’s night of nights is set to be a little quieter this year.
While the 67th annual Grammy Awards will go ahead as scheduled on Sunday, Feb. 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, pre and post-party celebrations have been canceled due to the ongoing wildfires in the city.
“It feels inappropriate to go for a booze up during these times,” a source in the music industry told Daily Mail.
A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
“It’s such a relief that the ceremony will take place but anything more than that just wouldn’t feel right,” the insider continued.
A spokesperson for the company stated: “We have canceled all of our Grammy-related events, including the Artist Showcase and After-Grammy Party and will redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”
Chappell Roan attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix’s “Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour” WireImage
Following UMG’s decision, Sony Music followed suit.
After sharing the cancellation of their Grammy Week events, they announced its parent company, Sony Group Corporation, was pledging $5 million to emergency relief and long-term recovery efforts.
Warner Music Group (WMG), in partnership with the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, also shared they donated an initial $1 million to support local fire relief initiatives.
A WMG rep said that their efforts are focused on helping both first responders and those in the music industry affected by the fires.
BMG added: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce BMG will no longer host its Pre-Grammy Party on Tuesday, January 28.”
Sabrina Carpenter attends W Magazine’s Annual Best Performances Party at Chateau Marmont on January 04, 2025. Getty Images for W Magazine
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” their statement continued, “and we extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and first responders in Los Angeles County who are working tirelessly to contain the fires.”
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, and Tammy Hurt, chair of the academy’s board of trustees, explained their plans for Grammy Week in a statement to the public earlier this week.
“We understand how devastating this past week has been on this city and its people. This is our home, it’s home to thousands of music professionals, and many of us have been negatively impacted,” Mason begun.
“After thoughtful consideration and multiple assurances from state and local elected leaders, public safety agencies and with support from our incredible artist community, we have decided to go ahead with the Grammy telecast and some select events.”
Burned trees from the Palisades Fire and dust blown by winds are seen from Will Rogers State Park, with the City of Los Angeles in the background, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
He continued: “This year’s show will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”
The Recording Academy also revised its schedule, focusing on relief efforts, including having the telecast serve as a platform to raise funds for wildfire relief and showcase resilience.
But some parties are still set to take place, per the Daily Mail.
Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy party and the MusiCares gala are scheduled per usual, but each organizer has included charitable components to support victims of the fires.
The ongoing wildfire disaster in Los Angeles has forced the cancellation of several Grammys after-parties, with organizers deeming it “inappropriate” to hold celebratory events while the city is facing such devastation.
The wildfires, which have been raging for days, have already forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and have caused widespread destruction across the region. In light of this crisis, the decision was made to cancel the after-parties that were originally planned to take place following the Grammy Awards ceremony.
Many artists and industry insiders have expressed their support for the decision, acknowledging that it would be insensitive to host lavish parties while the city is in the midst of a natural disaster. Instead, efforts are being made to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the wildfires, with many celebrities using their platforms to encourage donations and assistance for those in need.
While the cancellation of the after-parties may be disappointing for some, it serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of those affected by the wildfires and coming together as a community to support one another during this challenging time.
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Grammys, after-parties, canceled, LA wildfire disaster, inappropriate, wildfires, Los Angeles, events, music industry, emergency situation.
On January 7, as the Palisades Fire exploded, a man interrupted a reporter’s live shot. It was Steve Guttenberg, one of the biggest movie stars of the 1980s and ’90s. He had been moving cars – abandoned by people around Pacific Palisades trying to escape the encroaching fire – so that emergency vehicles could get through.
“What’s happening is, people take their keys with them as if they’re in a parking lot. This is not a parking lot,” he told KTLA. “If you leave your car behind, leave the key in there so a guy like me can move your car so that these fire trucks can get up there.”
He can’t remember how he got to safety.
Many days later, with much of his hometown reduced to ruins, he was still there to help protect his and his neighbors’ homes. He showed me a part of Sunset that had been stacked with cars. “Yeah, couldn’t get through,” he said. “So, I was moving some of these cars over there. And then, a lotta these cars just didn’t have keys in them. Locked.”
Steve Guttenberg, with Lisa Ling, on Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, where the actor had helped move abandoned cars that were blocking emergency vehicles as the wildfires erupted.
CBS News
I asked, “What is it in you that is compelling you to stay here?”
“You know, it’s not often in life that you feel like you can make a difference,” he replied. “And I really feel like I can make a difference. Like, I’m able bodied, I’m strong, I have a heart, and I care. And this is what I’m supposed to do today.”
If you know Guttenberg, you know he’s a helper. Seven years ago, he put everything on hold to care for someone with whom he was deeply in love: his father.
I noted, “I’m gonna try to get through this interview without crying because I lost my dad.”
Guttenberg asked, “What was your dad’s name?”
“Douglas.”
“Hi, Douglas!” Guttenberg said. “You know, when you say a person’s name who’s passed, they come around. I believe they’re not always with you, ’cause they’ve got other things to do. But Douglas is here, and so is Stanley, my dad.
“My dad was the greatest,” he said. “He was the first man who ever held me, first guy I ever looked in his eyes. And I fell in love with my dad.”
Guttenberg has written a book about his journey as a caregiver for the man he calls his hero. It’s called “Time to Thank.” “My dad and his dad weren’t close,” he said. “My grandfather was cold. He wasn’t a kissing, hugging type of dad to my father. So, my dad was the opposite.”
Post Hill Press
A “kissing and hugging dad” who worked jobs that weren’t exactly touchy-feely. “He was an Airborne Army Ranger. He was a New York City policeman. He was a power lifter and a weightlifter. And he did handstands for 20 minutes.”
Guttenberg’s dad was a hands-on parent, so it was to Steve’s surprise that when he wanted to move to L.A., at only 17, to try to become a movie star, he was allowed to do it. “My parents gave me $300 and said, ‘You got two weeks.’ And I got a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial. And my parents let me stay another two weeks. And I got a little movie [“The Chicken Chronicles”]. And I got more commercials. Then, I actually stayed a year, before I quit and went back to school.”
He wasn’t in school for long when Hollywood beckoned him back. “I was at a party in my suite at Albany State, and got this call from my agent. Everybody was a little … inebriated!” he laughed. “And my agent said, ‘I got an audition for you. It was called “Boys From Brazil.” And it was gonna be starring Greg Peck and Larry Olivier and James Mason, Uta Hagen.’”
“It’s hard to turn that down, right?” I said.
“Yeah! I asked my dad. My dad said, ‘You know, just go down and do the audition. if you get it, you’ll decide. And I got the job.”
Guttenberg says it was Laurence Olivier who taught him humility, but it was his dad who helped him get his big break in a little film about a bunch of misfits joining the police force. “I told my dad that I had a screen test coming up for this movie, ‘Police Academy.’ And he said, ‘Oh, you should wear my police academy shirt.’ I remember going to the screen test, and I was up against another actor who was really talented,. And the director said, ‘Hold on here: Did you make that shirt, boy?’ And I said, ‘No, that’s my dad’s real police academy shirt.’ And half a day later my agent called me and said, ‘You got it.’ And maybe it was because of that cadet shirt that my dad gave me.”
CBS News
Guttenberg would go on to become one of the busiest actors of his generation, with more than 100 films and TV shows under his belt, including “Diner,” “Three Men and a Baby, “Cocoon,” and “Short Circuit.” All the while his dad was there ready to bring him back to reality, often calling before the rest of L.A. got out of bed. Guttenberg says he never missed that 6:00 a.m. call. “No, I always had to be home at six o’clock. Even if I got home at 5 to 6:00! I had to answer that phone. He was my anchor.”
So when his dad was diagnosed with kidney failure while living in Phoenix, Guttenberg got in his car, driving 400 miles every week to care for his father. “The drive really gave me time to think, and time to thank,” he said.
Steve and his siblings even become home dialysis techs, but only he couldn’t accept the inevitable. “I gave him a hug. And something didn’t sound right. And we had a nurse with us, and the nurse put a stethoscope to him. And she said, ‘He’s gone.’ And I said, ‘No!’ And I started doing CPR on him. I just couldn’t accept it at that moment.”
Asked when he could finally let him go, Guttenberg replied, “I probably let him go a year later. It’s hard to believe that he’s gone. I still think that he’s here.”
“He is,” I said. “Just say his name.”
“Stanley!”
Actor Steve Guttenberg.
CBS News
And right now, Guttenberg thinks his father is sending along some helpful advice. “I feel my dad’s around, yeah, I really do. I feel my dad is here with me. And I think he’s also saying, ‘Steven, enough. Get outta there.’”
So far, his own home is standing. But Steve Guttenberg says it’s time to listen to his dad. “You know, the truth is, no matter how big your house is, no matter how much money you have, how expensive your car, at the end of it, you’re walking down the street with a little suitcase of a few things that you saved, and you’re looking for someone to tell you where to go.”
Lisa Ling, an award-winning journalist and producer, is a CBS News contributor, where she brings her distinctive reporting and feature pieces across CBS News broadcasts and platforms.
Actor Steve Guttenberg has earned praise for his heroic efforts during the recent Pacific Palisades wildfire, where he not only assisted in evacuating his neighbors but also went above and beyond to care for his personal hero.
Guttenberg, best known for his roles in films like “Police Academy” and “Three Men and a Baby,” sprung into action when the flames began to encroach on his neighborhood. He helped evacuate senior citizens and families with young children, ensuring that everyone got to safety.
But Guttenberg’s true act of heroism came when he learned that his childhood idol, a retired firefighter who had saved his family from a house fire when he was a child, was trapped in his home. Without a second thought, Guttenberg rushed to the man’s aid, carrying him to safety and ensuring that he received medical attention.
In a statement, Guttenberg downplayed his actions, saying, “I just did what anyone would do in that situation. I’m grateful that everyone made it out safely, and I’m just glad I could help.”
But to those who witnessed Guttenberg’s bravery and selflessness, he is a true hero. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community in times of crisis, and the power of one person to make a difference. Thank you, Steve Guttenberg, for your incredible acts of kindness and courage.
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Steve Guttenberg, Pacific Palisades wildfire, hero, celebrity, community service, firefighter assistance, natural disaster relief, heroism, Hollywood actor, fire rescue, celebrity charity efforts, philanthropy, disaster response, volunteer work, community support, personal hero care
From the time they landed in L.A. on Thursday afternoon, Roberts, 64, tells PEOPLE they “went right out to Altadena to spend time with families” whose stories they would be spotlighting on the Friday broadcast.
“As soon as I landed, I was hearing from family and friends back on the East Coast: ‘Have you seen it yet? Is it as bad as it seems on TV?’ And when you’re looking at it — and I’ve been in the war zones and all that — it’s like, wow. It just takes your breath away,” she says. “It looked worse than it does on TV.”
“My producer, my executive producer, who was with me in Kiev, in Ukraine, right after the start of that war, she said, ‘Be prepared. It’s worse than that,’” Roberts recalls. “I’m like, ‘No, it can’t be.’ And yes, it was.”
Strahan, 53, who is in L.A. every weekend for NFL coverage, agrees, admitting the city felt “different” right away. “There’s a little sadness, there’s still some fear, but there’s also a lot of hope and resilience, and you can feel everybody pulling together.”
Co-anchors Michael Strahan and Robin Roberts speak to L.A. firefighters and their families on ‘Good Morning America’ on Jan. 17.
Eric McCandless/ABC
During the broadcast, which expanded ABC News’ SoCal Strong coverage, Strahan and Roberts highlighted several of the communities that were impacted by the wildfires that began on Jan. 7, particularly in the Altadena neighborhood.
Roberts says the Jenkins family, who “go back generations” in the area, lost nine homes amongst all of their family members in the fires. “What really strikes me about that family — and the others I’ve met: their genuine strength,” she says.
“They’re like, ‘We’re rebuilding. We’re not going anywhere,’” Strahan adds. “And just hearing that was, like, ‘Wow.’ It just shows the strength, the positivity and resilience of the people and the community.”
Co-anchors Michael Strahan and Robin Roberts speak to the Jenkins family about the devastation of the L.A. wildfires on ‘Good Morning America’ on Jan. 17.
Eric McCandless/ABC
The GMA co-anchors also met Walt, an 83-year-old Altadena resident whose tear-filled interview on Big Talk went viral last week as he broke down over all he’d lost.
Roberts says she hopes the coverage will help viewers realize that “it’s okay to ask for help like Walter did.”
“A man who, it crushes his soul, because he takes pride in [the fact] that he’s been the one that has helped so many, and he never thought he’d be in the position to be the one who needs help,” she says.
Walt was also a particular source of inspiration amid the devastation. “Michael and I kept saying, ‘Wait a minute. Wait. We’re supposed to be lifting you guys up. You aren’t supposed to be lifting our spirits.’ But it was true. It was very uplifting to be in their presence,” Roberts says.
Strahan agrees. “We left there feeling hopeful, because they said, ‘We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to rebuild. We want this community back. This is our legacy.’”
Michael Strahan with Pasadena firefighter Charlie Hawes and his mother on ‘Good Morning America’ on Jan. 17.
Eric McCandless/ABC
They also spoke to several of the heroes who have been saving lives for the last 10 days, including Pasadena fire department firefighter Charlie Hawes and fire engineer Chien Yu, both of whom lost their own homes while fighting fires elsewhere.
Hawes was joined by his mother for an interview with Roberts and Strahan — which also featured firefighters Jerry and Isaac and their families, along with Yu — and he had come straight from a shift to make the broadcast.
“To see him literally come from his shift at the firehouse to the show, because they wanted to represent all the firefighters that were out there, and just show them, ‘Hey, we’re going to represent all of us here on GMA, so I’m going to leave my shift and go straight to GMA on no sleep, and then go home and spend some time with my family before I go back to work,’ I can’t imagine,’” Strahan says. “It just goes to show that these firefighting men and women truly, truly, truly think about more than just themselves.”
Roberts adds of Hawes’ mother, who was emotional at times during the broadcast: “The pride she has for her son, these firefighters, I can’t imagine. You are putting your life on the line to save someone else’s home — while your home is burning.”
Roberts is especially proud that the team “didn’t come empty-handed,” as more than $6 million was raised by GMA, all of which will go to “local organizations and charities” and “the families who need it on the ground.”
“Every little bit helps, and at the end of the day, those millions, I think, are going to really, really give relief to a lot of people,” Strahan says.
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It was also special to get to “thank” their colleagues, Matt Gutman and Kayna Whitworth, who have been covering the fires on the ground for over a week. “It meant so much to those that have been covering this for us to be able [to be there], and it meant a lot to them that we were bringing a national spotlight to it.”
Roberts and Strahan also joined their GMA3: What You Need to Know colleagues during their broadcast to reflect on what they’d seen on the ground in L.A.
“With our SoCal Strong effort, the GMA family is showing up to help families in need,” senior executive producer Simone Swink tells PEOPLE in a statement. “We want to take our viewers into the community of Altadena which has been ravaged by the fires, and we want to help raise money for local charities on the ground helping people get back on their feet.”
Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
GMA’s Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan Meet L.A. Wildfire Victims (Exclusive)
In a heartwarming display of support and compassion, Good Morning America hosts Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan recently visited victims of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The dynamic duo spent time listening to the stories of those affected by the fires, offering words of comfort and encouragement.
The emotional meeting was captured on camera, showing Roberts and Strahan embracing survivors and lending a sympathetic ear to their struggles. The resilience and strength of the wildfire victims left a lasting impression on the GMA hosts, who were deeply moved by their stories of loss and perseverance.
Through this exclusive encounter, Roberts and Strahan highlighted the importance of coming together as a community in times of crisis. Their visit served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and solidarity to be found.
As the wildfires continue to ravage parts of California, Roberts and Strahan’s gesture of solidarity with the victims serves as a beacon of light in the midst of tragedy. Their compassion and support will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on those who are struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the fires.
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GMA, Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, L.A. wildfire victims, exclusive interview, news, celebrity outreach, support, community, fire relief, heartfelt meeting
Shortly after Pam Shriver woke up Thursday at the Marina del Rey DoubleTree, where she has been staying the past week since fleeing the Pacific Palisades fire in Los Angeles, she realized her son’s car, containing her collection of Grand Slam trophies, had been stolen.
Shriver spent the day trying to deal with that unfortunate event while sending messages to Donna Vekic, the top Croatian tennis player she helps coach. Vekic, the No. 18 seed at the Australian Open, was preparing for her third-round match in Melbourne, 7,000 miles away.
By Thursday evening she was attending a virtual school board meeting on one screen while watching and intermittently praying during Vekic’s three-set nail-biter against No. 12 seed Diana Shnaider.
Someone might have been listening. Vekic prevailed 7-6(4), 6-7(3), 7-5. In the meantime, one of Shriver’s sons called to let her know that she had packed her five Wimbledon doubles trophies in a racket bag that had ended up in a different car to her son George’s Dodge Durango, which was stolen.
The Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“It’s so crazy,” she said, in a phone interview from Los Angeles after Vekic’s match. “I’m not religious but I felt like I needed one.”
Shriver said she’d lost track of where her family had packed away the belongings they gathered as the fires crept closer to the peak of Mandeville Canyon, about a mile from her home. The car that was stolen held 11 trophies from the U.S. French and Australian Opens, but not those five from Wimbledon.
Shriver, 62, stayed behind in Los Angeles as Vekic traveled to Melbourne after arranging accommodation for her support staff, friends and pets at the Marina del Rey hotel.
Vekic, who reached last year’s Wimbledon semifinal with Shriver in her box, drew a heart symbol and wrote “LA” on a camera lens after her first-round win at the Australian Open.
“It’s a very difficult situation for her. She’s home in L.A. Her house is OK for now, but so many have lost everything, and it’s a horrible situation,” Vekic said of Shriver in her news conference.
Shriver won 22 Grand Slam doubles titles in total, 21 in women’s doubles and one in mixed doubles. She and partner Martina Navratilova are the only women’s doubles pair to win all four majors in a calendar year, and Shriver won Olympic gold in women’s doubles for the U.S. at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, partnering Zina Garrison.
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(Photo: Clive Brunskill / Getty Images)
Today, tennis legend Pam Shriver faced a devastating loss as her collection of Grand Slam trophies were stolen during her evacuation from the raging wildfires in Los Angeles. Shriver, a former world No. 3 and winner of 21 Grand Slam doubles titles, had to quickly flee her home with only the clothes on her back as the flames drew closer.
The trophies, which represented decades of hard work and dedication to the sport, were priceless to Shriver. She had hoped to one day pass them down to her children and grandchildren as a reminder of her illustrious career.
Shriver is heartbroken by the theft and is pleading for their safe return. She is offering a reward for anyone who has information leading to the recovery of her treasured trophies.
As the wildfires continue to ravage the area, Shriver is focusing on the safety of her family and community, but the loss of her trophies has added another layer of pain to an already difficult situation. She is grateful for the outpouring of support from fans and fellow players, and hopes that the person responsible for the theft will have a change of heart and return the trophies to their rightful owner.
Tennis Hall of Famer Pam Shriver, one of the greatest doubles players in history, said Thursday that a car she was using to temporarily store “most” of her grand slam trophies was stolen.
Shriver was at the time staying in a hotel in Marina Del Rey after she evacuated her home because of the Los Angeles-area wildfires.
“My son & I are at a police station reporting our car was stolen from the hotel parking lot we evacuated to when fires started,” Shriver said in a post on X on Thursday. “This was the car that had most of my major trophies being stored until we could safely move back home.”
CNN has reached out to local police for comment.
Shriver is a commentator for ESPN and Tennis Channel as well as the coach of Donna Vekić. According to ESPN, Shriver said a Dodge Durango Hellcat had all five of her US Open trophies, all five of her French Open trophies and one Australian Open trophy. She told ESPN she switched hotels after the incident.
Shriver said to ESPN she discovered the vehicle missing around 7:30 a.m. local time Thursday from the Marina Del Rey DoubleTree, where her family was staying after evacuating because of the Pacific Palisades fire.
“Now, my family’s a victim of a crime, too,” Shriver said to ESPN. “It’s really sad on so many levels that, when people are at their lowest and in their most difficult times, people are doing things like this.”
According to ESPN, her Brentwood home is still standing and that she is waiting for heating and power to be restored.
Shriver was supposed to be at the Australian Open to coach Vekić, the top women’s player out of Croatia who is ranked No. 19 in the world. Instead, she’s been coaching the tournament’s 18th seed from afar, opting to remain in Los Angeles.
In a nearly a three-hour match Friday in Melbourne, Vekić defeated No. 12 seed Diana Shnaider 7-6 (4), 6-7 (3), 7-5 to advance to the round of 16. She’ll next face No. 27 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.
Shriver won 21 grand slam women’s doubles titles in her storied career – 20 of those coming with another tennis great, Martina Navratilova – and one mixed doubles grand slam title.
Shriver won seven Australian Open titles, five Wimbledon titles, five US Open titles and four French Open titles in women’s doubles. She won a French Open mixed doubles title in 1987 with Spain’s Emilio Sánchez.
In 1984, Shriver and Navratilova won the calendar grand slam, winning all four women’s doubles major titles that year.
Shriver was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2002.
Tennis legend Pam Shriver revealed in a recent interview that ‘most’ of her grand slam trophies were stolen while she was staying at a hotel during a wildfire evacuation. Shriver, who is a former professional tennis player and winner of 21 grand slam titles, expressed her devastation at the loss of her cherished trophies.
The theft occurred while Shriver was forced to evacuate her home due to a nearby wildfire. She had placed her trophies in a safe at the hotel where she was staying, but upon her return, she discovered that ‘most’ of them were missing. Shriver did not specify which trophies were stolen or how many exactly were taken.
In the interview, Shriver expressed her sadness and frustration at the loss of the trophies, which represented years of hard work and dedication to her tennis career. She also appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the recovery of the stolen trophies.
Fans and fellow athletes have since expressed their support for Shriver and offered their condolences for the loss of her prized possessions. Many have called for the safe return of the trophies and for those responsible for the theft to be held accountable.
Despite the setback, Shriver remains hopeful that her trophies will be recovered and is determined to move forward and continue to cherish the memories of her successful tennis career.
