In 1993, Ali MacGraw realized she had to escape California due to the devastating Malibu fire that left her with nothing.

In 1993, the 85-year-old actor relocated from Los Angeles to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In 1993, Ali MacGraw realized she had to escape California due to the devastating Malibu fire that left her with nothing.
In 1993, Ali MacGraw realized she had to escape California due to the devastating Malibu fire that left her with nothing.

Since the 1993 Malibu fires, it has been over thirty years since Ali MacGraw lost her home. Now, in the wake of the LA fires, the 85-year-old "Love Story" actress is sharing her emotional story of loss and resilience. She reflects on the moment she knew it was time to flee Los Angeles and offers advice to those who have recently been impacted by the devastation.

"MacGraw, who currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, recounted to The Hollywood Reporter how the fire caused him to lose everything. He was wearing a sleazy little outfit for yoga when the fire occurred, leaving him with nothing but the clothes on his back. The house he had just rented contained all of his belongings, which were destroyed in the fire. Prior to leaving for a job in Thailand, MacGraw had arranged his possessions in the house exactly as he desired, discarding anything that did not fit. He was confident that he knew the location of every item, including his books."

Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw, best known for her role in the 1970s film "Love Story," fled Los Angeles in 1993.  (Getty Images/The Everett Collection)

Throughout the '70s, MacGraw rented various Malibu homes near the Pacific Ocean, fulfilling his lifelong dream.

In November 1993, a fire broke out in Malibu and destroyed 18,000 acres of land over ten days, as reported by the Malibu Times. Unfortunately, MacGraw's rental home was completely destroyed in the blaze.

"The house was empty," she said to THR. "All that remained was a humorous property with metal outdoor furniture, overlooking the ocean. Gazing out at the turbulent ocean with the sky filled with fear and smoke, it felt like a movie scene."

Ali MacGraw
MacGraw moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico after losing her Malibu home in the 1993 fire. (The Everett Collection)

"I recall saying in a composed manner, 'What am I supposed to learn from this?' which was an advanced form of, 'Why me?' However, it wasn't about me. The event that transpired was so peculiar and massive that the entire Malibu was annihilated. Following this, I received the message, 'It's time for you to depart from Los Angeles.' I erupted in laughter and thought, 'Is there a more subtle approach to suggesting that?'"

"Although it was a major fire in Malibu, I remained calm and didn't cry or carry on. This isn't about how great I am, but I was completely composed. I don't know why, but it was horrific. Nothing that's ever happened can compare to what's going on now."

Ali MacGraw
MacGraw starred opposite Ryan O'Neil in "Love Story." (The Everett Collection)

MacGraw made a name for herself in Los Angeles.

For many years in the 1960s, MacGraw worked as a photographic assistant at Harper's Bazaar before transitioning to Vogue as a model and stylist.

In 1969, she gained international fame for her part in "Goodbye, Columbus," and the following year, she starred alongside Ryan O'Neil in "Love Story." Los Angeles was her residence.

"What happened was so bizarre and enormous, that the end of Malibu was absolutely destroyed. It was then that I heard this message: It’s time for you to get out of Los Angeles." — Ali MacGraw

MacGraw initially wished to remain in Malibu, but eventually reached a conclusion.

"The same week, while walking with my friend in the devastated part of the Palisades, I was searching for a house to live in. We walked down every street, but found nothing. I started to cry because I had been looking for a place to live for months. A man saw me crying and asked why. I explained that I couldn't find a place to live. He suggested I go down to Santa Fe, where I had a house for sale."

Ali MacGraw
MacGraw, seen in her hometown of Santa Fe this week, urges people to show compassion and kindness to those affected by the LA fires. (BACKGRID)

"She added, "I didn't know if I would enjoy it because I never wanted to live in the desert or a dry place. I loved having the ocean nearby and living among greenery and flowers. He said something that changed my life: 'If you don't like it, don't stay.' It was such an obvious concept. I tried it out for a little while, and it's been 32 years since then.""

Any one of us can experience disasters at any time, as MacGraw emphasized.

"If more people act with kindness and generosity, we will all benefit," she stated. "I hope that anyone with an empty home is inspired to offer it to help these people for a year at a rent they can afford, not just for financial gain. We live in a time when people have more money than entire countries, and helping a few families can make a huge impact."

Ali MacGraw
The actress is now enjoying a quiet life in Santa Fe, NM.  (BACKGRID)

The actress, having experienced a similar situation, advises people to exhibit more "compassion, kindness, and generosity in all aspects of their lives."

"If it were to happen, it could alter our society," she remarked. "The phrase 'There but for the grace of God go I?' reminds us to treat others as we would like to be treated. With deep breaths and kindness, we can transition into a different emotion as time passes."

"Now is a great opportunity for people to connect," she said. "It doesn't have to be a big gesture; even the smallest act can make a huge impact. We need to shift our perspective and change the way we think about the world, with its current state of high anxiety, anger, and judgment. I'm tired of it. There's a simpler, kinder approach."

Santa Fe offers MacGraw the tranquility she craves after her hectic life in Los Angeles.

"She shared with The New York Times in May that she is a unique individual residing north of Santa Fe, surrounded by nature, and actively involved in the community. She expressed gratitude for her good health and acknowledged the many individuals who do not have that option. Additionally, she stated that her life brings her joy."

"I'm grateful for what I had, but my life is very different now," she said. "I don't care about being seen in the latest fashion or knowing the latest song. I don't feel diminished by not knowing these things. I've accomplished everything and been seen, and that was for another time."

by Christina Dugan Ramirez

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