How many lives and cherished memories have been swept away by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires? Four blazes raging across the region have caused massive destruction, engulfing nearly 12,000 structures in flames and forcing the evacuation of 130,000 and more people. Amidst the chaos, firefighters are working tirelessly, risking their lives to limit the devastation. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was mindful of both, in grief and braving through, as he penned a moving message.
The LA Lakers legend took to his social media to share a few nostalgic photos of himself and his actor friend Billy Crystal. In his message for the victims, Abdul-Jabbar mentioned Crystal and his wife, Janice, who lost the home where they raised their kids and grandkids. The two had lived in that house for 45 years.
“My thoughts go out to all my friends and everyone in LA affected by the fires and who have lost their homes. Thousands have lost their homes, including my childhood friend Billy Crystal and his wife Janice who lost their home of 45 years. Others lost their lives,” he wrote.
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Crystal and Abdul-Jabbar, who stepped into fame nearly at the same time, have been friends for quite a few years. They met through a common friend and have shared a great bond since then. The first slide shows Billy posing next to the 6x champion, who is holding his book Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys.
He also had a few words for the firefighters who are bravely battling the situation. “About 7,500 firefighters are courageously battling an overwhelming inferno.” He also praised his My Airplane! co-star Robert Hays who “bravely helped first responders in the midst of the chaos.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kareemabduljabbar_33)
Crystal and his wife also detailed how heartbreaking this situation has been for them.
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Billy Crystal opened up about his pain
The memories they made in this house were special to them. The two got married in 1970 and share two daughters Jennifer Crystal Foley and Lindsay Crystal. Conversing with the PEOPLE magazine, the couple confirmed that they lived in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and their house was among those destroyed in the fire.
“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,” Crystal’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.”
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Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton are among other celebrities who lost their homes to the fire. Three awards ceremonies that were supposed to take place that week, as well as the Oscar nominations, have been postponed or delayed due to the fire. As per reports, 5,000 structures were claimed by the Palisades fire, while 7,000 were damaged in the Eaton fire. A thorough check is yet to be done.