The devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California engulfed the Andrew McNally House, a historic mansion with over a hundred years of cinematic and cultural importance.
Flames destroyed the historic Altadena property, which had featured in numerous films and TV shows. This 19th-century home, a favorite in Hollywood productions, recently appeared on HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Hacks.”
The mansion also appeared in the 2001 film “Kingdom Come” and an early episode of “Entourage,” with its legacy reaching back to the silent film era, notably in Max Linder’s 1921 comedy “Seven Years Bad Luck.”
Andrew McNally House, Mariposa St., Altadena, CA, built 1887, destroyed by the Eaton Fire, 1/8/2025; @Angeles_NF @ForestServiceSW #eatoncanyonfire #EatonFire #EatonCanyon #EatonFires @edgarrmcgregor pic.twitter.com/PEbApnSOyt
— Fred Hikes🚶♂️Bikes🚴Camps 🏕 (@FredHikes) January 9, 2025Photographs captured the once-majestic house engulfed in flames, reducing it to ashes. Built by Andrew McNally, the co-founder of mapping giant Rand-McNally, the estate had changed hands over the years, last selling ior $3 million. in 2021
“It’s heartbreaking,” remarked Scott Kradolfer, locations manager for “Hacks.” “We had filmed there for the fourth season, but it was uncertain whether Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, would return to that iconic roof.” The house was a pivotal setting where Smart’s fading comedian character sought a career revival.
The McNally house in Altadena was not so lucky and was consumed by flames of the Eaton fire pic.twitter.com/sOGhO9B0X0
— Old Ozempic Eyes (@notWarrenBuffe2) January 9, 2025The devastation extends beyond Hollywood’s heritage. Celebrities like Paris Hilton, John Goodman, and Tina Knowles have suffered wildfire losses. As the fires continue, productions like Hacks have paused, casting doubt on future filming plans.
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The fires are still ongoing, so the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined. The loss of the Andrew McNally House serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of history and Hollywood’s roots in the face of natural disasters.
It’s a significant loss for Altadena and Southern California history, including the TV series filmed there. The McNally family, founders of La Mirada and contributors to various national service groups in Southern California, are integral to this history. The absence of rainbird sprinklers on the roof and grounds of their massive wooden mansion led to its destruction—a preventable tragedy. There’s hope for rebuilding, especially the historic Turkish room. I’ve explored this mansion multiple times and included it in my book, “Haunted Houses of Pasadena,” due to its supposed hauntings by Mr. McNally and subsequent enamored owners since the late 1880s.
-Michael J. Kouri, Historian/Author