Orlando Harmon
Actors may take out fire insurance as part of a wider insurance policy to protect against losses incurred by injuries, accidents, and stunts. For example, in 2011, Tom Cruise fired Paramount's film production insurance company because they wouldn't insure him performing a life-endangering stunt. Actors may also take out fire insurance on their homes, although some insurance companies have revoked fire coverage for thousands of residents, including Hollywood stars, leaving them facing hefty bills to rebuild their properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Actors have fire insurance for their homes | Yes, but some insurance companies have revoked fire coverage for thousands of residents in California |
| Actors have fire insurance for film production | Yes, film production insurance is important to offset the cost of risks that can occur before, during, or after production |
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What You'll Learn
Actors' homes lost to fires
Wildfires have been raging across Los Angeles, California, destroying thousands of homes and forcing many to evacuate. Celebrities and Hollywood actors are among those who have lost their homes in the fires.
Actor James Woods, whose Pacific Palisades home was engulfed by flames and destroyed, expressed his heartbreak on social media. He also revealed that his insurance company had canceled his policy a few months prior. Other actors who have lost their homes in the Palisades fire include Billy Crystal, who lost the Pacific Palisades house he had lived in since 1979, Paris Hilton, whose Malibu beach mansion burned down, and Eugene Levy.
The Guardians of the Galaxy star, whose name was not mentioned, urged his 45.2 million followers to 'come together to support one another during this tough time.' Other celebrities who have shared their experiences on social media include Jamie Lee Curtis, who donated $1 million to aid victims of the wildfires, Mandy Moore, Mark Hamill, and Maria Shriver.
Soap opera star Cameron Mathison shared a video on Instagram documenting the loss of his Altadena home. "I've lost my home and everything that I own," he said. The comedian, actress, and former The View co-host Rosie O'Donnell also lost her Malibu beachfront property in the California wildfires.
The devastating wildfires have destroyed more than 1,100 buildings and killed at least five people. Celebrities have slammed insurance companies for revoking fire coverage for thousands of residents before the fires.
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Celebrities' fire insurance cancellations
Wildfires in California have caused devastation to thousands of homes, including those of many celebrities. The blazes have destroyed more than 45 square miles and 1,300 structures in the Los Angeles area, causing an estimated $48 billion in damage. Many celebrities have lost their homes in the wildfires, including James Woods, Billy Crystal, Eugene Levy, John Goodman, Paris Hilton, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, and Miles Teller.
In the wake of the fires, many celebrities have slammed insurance companies for cancelling fire coverage for tens of thousands of residents just months before the wildfires hit. Actor James Woods, whose home was destroyed, stated that "one of the major insurance companies canceled all the policies in our neighborhood about four months ago", referring to State Farm. Rob Schneider also blasted State Farm for the cancellations, calling them a "pile of crap".
In 2024, Liberty Mutual and State Farm, two of the largest insurers in the country, told nearly 50,000 homeowners in California that their fire insurance would be terminated to prevent "financial failure". At least 1,600 people in the Pacific Palisades area, which was hardest hit by the fires, lost coverage when State Farm pulled out in April.
The insurance cancellations have left hundreds of displaced residents facing multi-million dollar bills to clean up and rebuild their properties without any coverage. The situation has highlighted the unstable insurance market in California, with carriers fleeing as disasters multiply. The wildfires and insurance cancellations have also brought attention to the issues of price, availability, and affordability of insurance in the state, which are expected to be ongoing concerns for the next 10 to 20 years.
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Film production insurance
There are different types of film production insurance policies available, including short-term and annual policies. Short-term production insurance covers a single production and can be purchased on a project-by-project basis, even for just one day of production. This type of policy is ideal for those who only produce a few projects in a year. On the other hand, annual production insurance covers all productions within a year and is more cost-effective for companies that shoot frequently.
The cost of film production insurance can vary depending on factors such as the budget of the film, the type of policy (annual or short-term), and the risk level involved. It is recommended to budget about 3% of the film's budget for entertainment insurance, although the actual cost may be lower. Some companies, like Wrapbook, offer short-term production insurance for as little as $500.
When purchasing film production insurance, it is important to be upfront with brokers about the details of the project to ensure proper coverage. Policies should also be flexible, allowing for add-ons to accommodate unexpected changes in production, such as shooting in cold temperatures.
Some examples of film production insurance providers include Chubb, Wrapbook, and Thimble. Chubb has been underwriting film productions for over 40 years and offers protection against risks such as errors in post-production and media liability exposures. Wrapbook pairs insurance with payroll, providing an affordable and convenient option for filmmakers. Thimble offers short-term insurance that can be purchased by the hour, day, week, or month, making it a good choice for productions with dynamic schedules.
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Fire insurance for stunts
Fire insurance for performers, including stunt performers, is available and can be purchased. Fire performers and dancers can get insurance that covers liability, property damage, and medical expenses. Commercial property insurance, for example, protects any business buildings and property that a fire performer possesses, covering perils such as fire, theft, riots, and vandalism. Fire dancing insurance is also available, with premiums costing $45 per month or $540 per year.
There are also insurance policies for performers that include fire coverage. Performer insurance can include commercial general liability, legal liability to audience participants, and medical payment coverage for audience participants. Performer insurance may also include equipment coverage, which insures mobile equipment that is rented, borrowed, or leased.
Insurance for stunts more broadly can be more complicated. Some insurance companies will back out when they hear that stunts are involved or charge higher rates. However, there are insurance companies that specialize in stunt insurance, and it is possible to get a year-long production insurance package that covers all shoots. It is recommended to establish a relationship with an insurance agent in the entertainment business who can advocate for you and help you navigate the complexities of stunt insurance.
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Actors' health and weight considerations
Actors are known for their commitment to embodying their characters in ways that feel authentic. This often involves dramatic physical transformations, such as shaving their heads, changing their hair colour, or altering their body shape. While these transformations are usually temporary, they can take a toll on both the physical and mental health of actors.
Gaining weight for a role can impact an actor's mental state. Some actors have shared how the process can be emotionally challenging, especially if they are used to maintaining a certain physique. The emotional toll of weight gain can be significant, and some actors experience a blow to their confidence during the transformation.
Actors often work closely with trainers and nutritionists to ensure the process is safe and gradual. This minimizes potential health risks. However, some actors have still faced negative consequences. Kumail Nanjiani, for instance, shared that preparing for his role in Marvel's "Eternals" by cutting out carbs worsened his negative body image and relationship with food.
Losing weight for a role can also be challenging. Paul Rudd, for instance, followed a restrictive diet while preparing to play Ant-Man, and struggled with comparing himself to other Marvel actors. He recalled, "I think I worked out harder than anyone, I would eat better than everyone, and I looked worse than all of them... I had to work out all the time, eat perfectly, just to look kind of bad. Not even great."
Actors like Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron have also gone to great lengths to look lean for roles, putting their health at risk. Severely low-calorie diets, which some actors follow, are not recommended as they are dangerous and unsustainable.
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Frequently asked questions
Actors don't typically need fire insurance, but film productions do. This is because fires can break out on set, damaging property and injuring actors and crew.
Fire insurance for film productions covers the cost of risks that can occur before, during, or after production. This includes damage to property, damage to costumes, and theft of equipment.
Without fire insurance, film productions can be sued in criminal and civil courts. Productions may also have to cover the cost of risks that arise during filming.
Actors may want to insure specific body parts. For example, Betty Grable insured her legs for $1 million, and Jimmy Durante insured his nose for $50,000.
Actors typically have home fire insurance, but some insurance companies have revoked coverage for thousands of residents in high-risk areas. This has left many actors without coverage in the event of a fire.
