Jennifer Garner opens up about losing a friend in the LA wildfires

Jennifer Garner, 52, revealed the heartbreaking loss of a friend who was unable to escape the Palisades fire that ravaged Los Angeles this week. The fire destroyed thousands of homes and left the close-knit community reeling from its impact. Garner, speaking alongside Chef Jos? Andr?s of World Central Kitchen on MSNBC, shared her grief and her desire to help rebuild the lives of those affected.

In a deeply emotional interview, Garner reflected on the devastation in her neighborhood, recounting the vibrant community that once thrived in the now-destroyed streets. "I did lose a friend. She didn't get out in time," Garner revealed, her voice heavy with emotion. "For our church, it's really tender, so I don't feel like we should talk about it yet."

I lost a friend, and it's very tender

Standing on Fiske Street, surrounded by charred homes, Garner described a bustling neighborhood where children played and families celebrated holidays. "My best friend's house was down the street. They had a gong in their front yard," she reminisced. "There were so many kids that played in the street, and they would hit the gong at the end of the day to call them home."

A neighborhood devastated

Garner emphasized the overwhelming loss felt by the community. "I can think of 100 families who've lost their homes," she said. "There are 5,000 homes gone. It's hard to fathom."

Despite her own home being spared from the flames, the "13 Going on 30" star expressed feelings of guilt. "I almost feel guilty walking through my house," she admitted. "What can I do? How can I help? What do I have to offer?"

Garner's Brentwood farmhouse, built after her divorce from Ben Affleck in 2018, remains a safe haven for her family. She also provided refuge to Affleck, 52, who temporarily evacuated his estate due to the fires. Fortunately, his home was spared, allowing him to return on Thursday.

As the community begins to recover, Garner's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fire's human toll and the resilience required to rebuild.