'Egoli' actress loses home in devastating LA fires
The former 'Egoli' actress was one of many who lost everything in the devastating Los Angeles fires.
South African actress Christel Smith, best known for her role as Tarien in the famous soapie 'Egoli,' says she has lost everything in the devastating Los Angeles fires.
According to a Facebook post, Smith's house was one of the first to burn down.
"Our house was one of the first to burn down. We lost everything. At least I managed to get the cat and the dog out.
"The destruction is surreal. It looks like Armageddon. My child's school, four other schools in the area, the bank, library, all the shops, and the post office – all gone," she said.
READ: LA wildfires wake-up call for South Africa – WOF
All of her 'Egoli' memorabilia also went up in flames.
"Luckily, we were able to save our animals. Our house was cordoned off, and we couldn’t go back yet to see what could be saved. All my 'Egoli' memorabilia and photos were burnt."
Possessions and memorabilia of her late friend and fellow 'Egoli' star, Esta TerBlanche, which Smith had packed to give to her father and brothers, were also destroyed by the fire.
READ: 'Egoli'-aktrise se lyk in Los Angeles gevind
TerBlanche, who passed away in July last year at the age of 51, starred as Bienkie, the sister of Smith's character Tarien in 'Egoli'.
Recalling the devastating fire, Smith likened it to Armageddon.
"Everything is so surreal… it looks like Armageddon."
READ: Firefighters race to beat LA blazes as death toll hits 16
Another South African celebrity, former Miss Universe Margaret Gardiner, was also affected by the LA fires.
Taking to Facebook, Gardiner shared that she had to evacuate her home in Los Angeles.
Sources:
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IMAGE: Facebook/ Screenshot