Amidst the devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles County, Mel Gibson, the renowned actor and filmmaker, has experienced a personal tragedy with the destruction of his Malibu mansion, which he had called home for nearly 15 years. The fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, have led to the destruction of over 10,000 buildings, with at least 10 lives lost and over 300,000 residents under evacuation orders.
While in Austin, Texas, recording a podcast with Joe Rogan when the fire broke out, Gibson expressed his emotions on a phone interview with NewsNation. Although acknowledging the devastation, he lightened the mood by humorously mentioning how he was “relieved from the burden of my stuff” as everything he owned was reduced to ash. He shared his uneasy feelings while recording the podcast, knowing his neighborhood was in danger, only to return to the charred remains of his home. Despite the destruction, Gibson found a silver lining in the survival of his chickens, joking about their resilience.
Gibson had evacuated to Austin before the flames hit, and while he was away, the fire swept through his neighborhood, causing widespread damage. Several of his neighbors, including actor Ed Harris, also lost their homes, and many properties were completely destroyed, leaving only remnants like chimneys and roof tiles.
Despite the emotional toll of losing years of personal belongings—photographs, files, and sentimental items—Gibson maintained a positive outlook. He acknowledged that while material possessions can be replaced, the most important thing was the safety and well-being of his family. With the worst wildfire in Los Angeles history raging on, Gibson is focusing on moving forward with gratitude for his family’s safety, while firefighting efforts continue under difficult conditions.
In an interview filled with both grief and humor, Gibson’s resilience shines through, as he embraces the challenges ahead, reminding himself that “these are only things.”
