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Jennifer Garner shared her emotional experience during a recent interview with MSNBC, opening up about the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that have destroyed over 5,000 homes and upended countless lives. Fighting back tears, she revealed the tragic loss of a close friend who was unable to escape the flames. “I lost a friend, and it’s incredibly painful,” Garner said. “I don’t feel I should speak too much about her just yet, but yes, my friend wasn’t able to get out in time.”
© Amy Katz/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockThe Alias star, who has lived in the Brentwood area for years, has a deep connection to the affected community. “I’ve lived in the Palisades and surrounding neighborhoods for 25 years,” Garner said. “We all feel the need to step up and do something to help.” Partnering with Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, Garner has been volunteering to assist displaced families and firefighters, serving meals and offering her support.
© Amy Katz/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock via GrosbyJennfier Garden remembering a lost friend
Garner reminisced about fond memories with her late friend. “My best friend lived just down the street. They had a gong in their front yard, and they’d ring it to call the kids home at the end of the day,” she recalled. “The street where we used to run together, where the fire truck would pass in the July 4th parade—now it’s all gone.”
© Amy Katz/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock via GrosbyThough her own home was spared, Garner shared feelings of guilt, knowing many friends weren’t as fortunate. “I could easily list 100 friends who lost their homes,” she said. “Walking through my house, I feel almost guilty. What can I do? How can I help? It’s time we all step up.”
Ben Affleck finds refuge Amid the fires
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupGarner’s ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and father of their three children, briefly sought refuge at her home after evacuating his Palisades residence due to the advancing fires. While his home was ultimately spared, the experience underscored the widespread impact of the disaster. Despite their separation in 2015 after a decade of marriage, Garner and Affleck maintain a strong co-parenting relationship. “Ben knows so many people who lost their homes,” a source told People. “He’s witnessed the devastation and is doing what he can to help.”
A commitment to community recovery
© Amy Katz/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock via GrosbyDetermined to support her community, Garner has been hands-on in relief efforts. She praised Chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen team for their swift response. “It’s incredible to witness,” Garner said. “They show up and say, ‘We’ve got this; don’t worry.’ I wanted to be there, to be useful. I told him, ‘Put me to work.’”
As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to ravage the area, Garner’s resilience and commitment to her neighbors exemplify the strength and compassion needed to overcome such tragedy.
