REBA McEntire has broken down in tears on the set of Happy’s Place after the cast and crew returned to the show for the first time since devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, The U.S. Sun can reveal.
Though there were initial talks of halting production of the NBC sitcom this week due to the fires which have destroyed at least 12,000 homes, the team came together to provide an “escape” to those who needed it.
HAPPY’S PLACE cast Pictured: (l-r) Belissa Escobedo as Isabella, Melissa Peterman as Gabby, Reba McEntire as Bobbie, Tokala Black Elk as Takoda, Pablo Castelblanco as Steve, Rex Linn as Emmett[/caption]
Reba McEntire films emotional Happy’s Place scene with Melissa Peterman[/caption]
According to an eyewitness who was present at the Happy’s Place filming on Tuesday night at the Universal Studios lot, those in front of, and behind, the cameras expressed they were “eternally grateful” for the support shown after such a horrific week in LA.
To add to the gratitude, Reba, 69, took a moment to personally address every audience member, as well as each cast and crew member, for attending the show.
Prior to the start of filming, the Fancy singer hopped up on a rafter and emotionally addressed the entire room.
“Thank you all for being here. Especially with this past week, you have no idea how much that means to all of us,” Reba said as tears began to swell up in her eyes.
As she tried to maintain her emotions, she continued: “This has been a horrific week and I’m so sorry from the bottom of my heart to any of you who were impacted by this tragedy we’ve experienced here in LA.
“Just know my hearts are with you and we’re very thankful you came here to escape for a little bit. We need this too.
“We discussed postponing filming this week but we wanted to put on a show for all of you and try to bring some joy during a really dark week.
“All of us are hurting but we will get through it together. Sending love to you all from the bottom of my heart and let’s use comedy to get through this together.”
Water is dropped by helicopter on the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025[/caption]
The Palisades Fire burns south of the Encino Reservoir, upper left, in Los Angeles, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025[/caption]
A source close to the crew confirmed to The U.S. Sun that many people who work on the show were directly impacted by the fires – and “multiple” staffers tragically lost their homes.
“The show and everyone here are rallying together to support the people suffering most and we are all taking care of our own.
“It’s a really sad time. They’re getting a lot of support from everyone though and we’ll help them get through this,” the insider said.
Reba stars alongside Happy’s Place with longtime friend Melissa Peterman – who became a household name when the duo collabed on her 00’s hit show, Reba.
The Grammy-winner’s boyfriend, Rex Linn, is also a main actor on the show along with Belissa Escobedo, Pablo Castelblanco and Tokala Black Elk.
The show premiered in October 2024 to strong ratings however, NBC has not yet picked the show up for a season 2 renewal.
HEADED WEST
Oklahoma native Reba has long called Los Angeles her home after purchasing a Beverly Hills mansion back in 2003.
In addition to filming Happy’s Place in the City of Angels, she also films The Voice on the same studio lot.
After the fires broke out and devastated Los Angeles, Reba shared a message of support on her Instagram Stories for the first responds bravely hopping into action.
Resources for the Los Angeles wildfires
As wildfires continue to grow in and around Los Angeles cities, residents can reach out for help with resources and aid offered by organizations throughout the area.
To keep track of the live fire movements, residents can download the Watch Duty app or use its website.
You can register for emergency notifications through Alert LA County.
A comprehensive list of resources is available here.
Available shelters for evacuating residents include:
- Calvary Community Church
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
- Pan Pacific Recreational Center
- Westwood Recreation Center
- Pasadena Civic Auditorium
- Pomona Fairplex
- Stoner Recreation Center
Available animal shelters include:
- Agoura Animal Care Center
- Baldwin Park Animal Care Center
- Carson Animal Care Center
- Downey Animal Care Center
- Lancaster Animal Care Center
- Palmdale Animal Care Center
- Pomona Fairplex
- Industry Hills Expo
- Antelope Valley Fair
Free meals are being distributed to evacuees at restaurants and kitchens including:
- World Central Kitchen
- Danny Boy’s Pizza
- Dudley Market in Covina
- Sora Craft Kitchen
- Telefèric Barcelona
- Love Hour Los Angeles
- Detroit Pizza Depot
Sources:
“Sending out love, prayers and thoughts to everyone in southern CA dealing with these fires. Our hearts are broken.
“So thankful for all the firefighters, first responders and TV reporters risking their own safety to protect and keep us informed,” she wrote alongside a photo of trees burning.
Her co-star, Melissa, 53, shared a similar sentiment as she posted photos of an eerie and ash-filled sunset over the Pacific Ocean as she flew into LA during the fires.
“The view flying in to LA tonight. Praying for the brave firefighters who are battling the fire and wind and the 30,000 residents who had to evacuate,” she wrote.
As unprecedented winds continue to spread throughout Southern California, many are still on a red flag warning to be alert for potential future fires.
While dozens of fires popped up this past week throughout Los Angeles County, the two largest remain actively burning – Altadena’s Eaton fire which is currently at 45% containment as of Wednesday and the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu – which sits at just 19% containment as of Wednesday.
If you or someone you know is in need of aid or looking to help, an expansive list of resources for humans and animals, as well as an information hub and community connector for LA fire victims, can be found on this guide put together by Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network.
The Happy’s Place cast hugs each other behind-the-scenes of filming the show[/caption]
