Don Cheadle Shares Harrowing Experience of Evacuating During L.A. Fires
Actor Reflects on Family's Evacuation, Community Support, and Finding Humor Amid Devastation
Actor Recalls Displacement and Offers a Glimpse Into His Family’s Journey Amid the Devastation
Don Cheadle and his family were among the thousands of Los Angeles residents forced to evacuate their homes as the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires ravaged the region earlier this month. The actor, known for his powerful performances, opened up about his experience during a January 20 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“We had to evacuate,” shared the 60-year-old Unstoppable star. “We were about five, six blocks from where it was.” Host Jimmy Kimmel empathized, stating, “That’s too close.”
While the fires, which began on January 7, have displaced over 30,000 residents and claimed at least 27 lives, Cheadle and his family have yet to return to their home. “We are still out of the house,” he explained. “I just went back today to make sure that everything was everything. We have electricity now.”
Navigating Displacement
Cheadle described his family’s nomadic journey during the evacuation, humorously recounting their “bopping around in hotels.” Their situation became even more challenging when one hotel had to be evacuated, and another requested them to vacate due to high demand.
Currently, the family is staying at a friend’s home, which Cheadle noted comes with unique perks. “Waking up to the Billie Eilish poster on the wall is really nice,” he joked, referring to the decor in the kids’ room where they are staying.
A Star-Studded Support Network
Cheadle revealed that his group of close friends, which includes George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Chris Spencer, and Anthony Anderson, offered support during the crisis. He recounted urging Anderson, 54, to evacuate promptly as the fires grew closer. “He waited until the last second to get out of dodge. It was bananas,” said Cheadle.
A Touch of Humor Amid Chaos
In a lighter moment during the interview, Kimmel played a nostalgic clip of a teenaged Cheadle scatting with his high school choir. The actor then treated the audience to an impromptu scat session, showcasing his enduring charm and humor despite recent events.
Raising Awareness Amid the Crisis
Cheadle’s appearance came as authorities reported increasing containment of the fires, though strong Santa Ana winds were expected to exacerbate conditions through January 22. The devastating fires have left a trail of destruction, prompting discussions about disaster preparedness and climate impact.
Cheadle’s Latest Role: From Real Life to the Big Screen
Beyond his personal story, Cheadle also discussed his latest project, Unstoppable, now streaming on Prime Video. In the sports biopic, he plays a wrestling coach alongside Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez. The film is based on the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles, a one-legged wrestler who defied odds to achieve greatness.
Despite the challenges faced in recent weeks, Cheadle’s resilience and humor continue to shine, offering inspiration to fans and fire victims alike.
