In a shocking turn of events, Mel Gibson, the legendary actor and filmmaker, learned that his Malibu home had been completely destroyed in the recent wildfires while he was in Austin, Texas, recording an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. The 69-year-old star shared the emotional ordeal during a phone interview with NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas on January 9th.

A Disastrous Phone Call Amidst the Podcast

Gibson, who had lived in his Malibu home for nearly 15 years, was in the midst of filming the popular podcast when the fires broke out near his neighborhood. As he sat talking with Joe Rogan, Gibson confessed to feeling uneasy. “I was kind of ill at ease while we were talking because I knew my neighborhood was on fire,” he said, revealing that the thought of losing his home weighed heavily on his mind. “I wondered if my place is still there,” he added.

Unfortunately, when Gibson returned home, he discovered the worst: his home had been reduced to rubble, leaving only ashes where once stood his family’s sanctuary. “When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there,” Gibson recalled. Despite the devastation, he tried to maintain his sense of humor, quipping, “Well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.”

A Miraculous Survival: The Family’s Chickens

Though the destruction was overwhelming, Gibson found a small silver lining. In a surprising twist, the family’s chickens survived the blaze. “It was amazing, they were fine! They were just fine, laying eggs and everything,” he laughed, sharing that he gave them grain and water, ensuring they were well taken care of.

Gibson also revealed that his girlfriend, Rosalind Ross, and their 7-year-old son, Lars, evacuated the home safely, but the family’s emotional toll was evident. “You think about everything you lost—photographs, files, personal things… clothing. It’s pretty cool stuff, but hey, it’s just stuff,” he said.

Destruction Across the Neighborhood

The damage was not limited to Gibson’s property. Many of his neighbors, including actor Ed Harris, also saw their homes destroyed. The fire took a random yet devastating path, leaving dozens of homes gone, with nothing but chimneys and roof tiles remaining. Gibson noted, “Some of the neighbors really got it hard… it was completely toasted.”

The complete destruction was shocking, with the actor describing the aftermath as almost surreal. “It’s like someone did it on purpose to really destroy every aspect of it,” he said, recounting how even vehicles were obliterated by the flames.

Rebuilding and Moving Forward

As for what comes next, Gibson, though shaken, remained optimistic. “I’ll clean it up because it’s toxic,” he said, mentioning the beautiful ocean view that remained from the scorched land. Although uncertain about whether he would rebuild his home or sell the property, Gibson’s resilience was apparent as he noted, “At least we’re all safe. That’s what matters most.”

A Community United by Loss

Gibson is just one of many celebrities in Malibu and surrounding areas who lost homes in the fires. Others, like Cameron Mathison, Mandy Moore, Ricki Lake, and Sandra Lee, also shared their heartbreak on social media, offering glimpses into their own experiences of devastation. However, despite the overwhelming sorrow, the messages of gratitude for family safety and community support echoed across each story.

While Gibson’s home may be gone, his ability to reflect on the loss with humor and perspective is a reminder of the importance of family, safety, and the strength that comes in times of hardship. “The good news is that my family is well, and we’re all healthy,” he concluded, emphasizing the most important thing in the face of such a catastrophe: “These are only things.”