Billy Crystal in 2023. Photo:
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Billy Crystal and his wife, Janice Crystal‘s home has been destroyed by the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.
The celebrated actor confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that the couple’s home in the Pacific Palisades, Calif., burned down on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The couple lived in the home for 46 years together and raised their children and grandchildren there.
“Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. We ache for our friends and neighbors who have also lost their homes and businesses in this tragedy,” the actor’s statement read.
“Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”
“We pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders,” Crystal’s statement continued. “The Pacific Palisades is a resilient community of amazing people and we know in time it will rise again. It is our home.”
The couple — who married in 1970 — are parents to two daughters, Jennifer Crystal Foley and Lindsay Crystal, in 1973 and 1977, respectively.
During a 2021 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Billy spoke about raising his daughters in the home at the beginning of his and Janice’s careers.
“I was Mr. Mom way before it was popular,” he joked. “I look at it as a real turning point in my life, not only as a father, but a human being.”
Lindsay Crystal, Janice Crystal, Billy Crystal, and Jennifer Crystal Foley attend the Opening Night Gala at the 2019 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival on April 11, 2019 in Hollywood, California. Presley Ann/Getty
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The Palisades Fire ignited around 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and has grown to over 15,000 acres. There are currently multiple wildfires burning throughout the Los Angeles area, and most are 0% contained, according to CalFire.
There have been five confirmed deaths during the Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County Fire Department chief Anthony C. Marrone confirmed in a news briefing on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the Associated Press.
Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
