• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Deon Cole details 'devastating' day, from hospitalization to evacuation amid wildfires

5:31
Deon Cole promotes comedy tour
Arnold Turner/Getty Images
ByMason Leib
January 12, 2025, 7:14 PM

Actor and comedian Deon Cole opened up about a harrowing day amid the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.

The star took to Instagram first on Thursday, revealing a hospital visit, and then on Saturday, sharing a photo and video from his "devastating" day that included time spent in the hospital followed by an evacuation in order to evade approaching wildfires.

Related Articles

California fires live updates: 16 fire-related deaths, medical examiner says

On Thursday, Cole shared a photo on Instagram celebrating his birthday from his hospital bed while being hooked up to wires.

"Thank u all for your birthday well wishes. I sure could use them. Thank you all," he wrote.

Though he did not specify what put him in the hospital, celebrity friends such as Jamie Foxx commented messages of support on the post.

In a separate post on Saturday, Cole elaborated on his weekend, sharing in the caption that he had to evacuate his home as soon as he returned from the hospital as the fires continued to burn through much of the area.

Editor’s Picks

How to talk to kids about natural disasters

  • Jan 11, 2025

Deon Cole promotes comedy tour

  • Jul 14, 2023

"This day is devastating!!!! Left the hospital earlier, sick af, went home, then had to packed what I could to evacuate," he wrote. "As I drove away I seen the fire rising from behind my house, It’s a nightmare!!!"

The video Cole shared shows fire rising in the distance. "Oh my God look at this. That's right over my house. Oh man," he says in the clip.

Related Articles

How to talk to kids about natural disasters

Cole added that he was evacuating with the flowers his mother passed on to him before she died. He included a photo with the flowers at the beginning of the post.

The number of confirmed deaths from the fires stayed at 16 on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, and many more are injured. As of Sunday, several fires remained burning across the city and more than 100,000 people are under evacuation orders.

Related Topics

  • Wildfires

Editor’s Picks

How to talk to kids about natural disasters

  • Jan 11, 2025

Deon Cole promotes comedy tour

  • Jul 14, 2023

Up Next in Culture—

Mark Wahlberg teaming up with Elaine LaLanne for new documentary

April 17, 2026

Natalie Portman pregnant, expecting baby no. 3 at 44

April 17, 2026

'Blind Side' actor Quinton Aaron opens up about his health, relationship

April 17, 2026

Jill Biden bid $35,000 for a chance to guest star on 'Heated Rivalry,' but lost out

April 17, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News