Jennifer Garner, known for her compassionate spirit and advocacy, has faced an unimaginable wave of grief. In a deeply emotional interview with MSNBC’s Katy Tur, the actress revealed the devastating loss of a close friend in the recent California wildfires. This tragedy struck shortly after Garner mourned the passing of her beloved family dog, Birdie, making the past months a profound journey of loss and resilience.

A Friend Lost to the Flames

As California continues to battle one of its most destructive wildfire seasons, Garner disclosed that her friend was among the many who couldn’t escape the inferno in time. “I lost a friend who didn’t make it out,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “My heart bleeds for the families affected. I can think of so many people—thousands of families—and it’s just unfathomable.”

The fires have consumed over 5,000 homes, uprooting countless lives and leaving communities in ruins. Garner expressed the complex emotions she’s grappling with, including a sense of survivor’s guilt. “I walk through my house and feel almost guilty for the safety I have. I keep asking myself, ‘What can I do? How can I help? What can I offer with the resources I have?’”

Garner’s heartbreak deepened as she reflected on visiting the remnants of her friend’s home. “I’m looking at the chimney of someone I loved,” she shared. “It’s just awful—unimaginable.” Despite her grief, Garner remains determined to support those affected by the wildfires, channeling her pain into action.

Rising Above the Ashes: Garner’s Efforts to Help

In the wake of the wildfires, Garner has partnered with Chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen to bring relief to displaced families. Describing her outreach, she shared, “I took advantage of a little celebrity privilege and reached out to Chef José Andrés. I asked him, ‘Can I come with you? How can I help?’”

Garner praised the chef’s ability to mobilize resources and respond swiftly to crises. “It’s incredible to see how José and his team step in, reassuring people with the simple yet powerful message, ‘We’ve got you.’ It’s inspiring and humbling to be part of that effort.”

The actress also highlighted her collaboration with Save the Children and the Red Cross, ensuring that shelters are equipped to support families with children. She emphasized the importance of providing comfort to parents and kids during such uncertain times, saying, “Every little bit counts, and these families need to know they’re not alone.”

Honoring Another Loss: The Passing of Rory Sykes

The wildfires have claimed dozens of lives, each story a painful reminder of the disaster’s human toll. Among those lost was former child star Rory Sykes, whose death on January 8 in Malibu devastated his family. Born in the United Kingdom, Rory overcame significant health challenges, including blindness and cerebral palsy, to live an extraordinary life of resilience and adventure.

Rory’s mother, Shelley Sykes, announced his passing on social media, describing her son as a humanitarian with an unyielding zest for life. “Despite his challenges, Rory traveled the world with me, from Africa to Antarctica,” she wrote. His death has further underscored the profound loss experienced by families across the state.

A Personal Farewell: Saying Goodbye to Birdie

Just weeks before the fires devastated her community, Garner mourned the loss of her golden retriever, Birdie, a cherished family member. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she described Birdie as “the world’s best dog” and shared the emotional final moments they spent together as a family.

“It’s hard to put into words,” Garner wrote. “It seems strange, given everything happening in the world, to mourn a pet. But Birdie wasn’t just a dog—she was family. She brought so much joy into our lives.” Birdie, a therapy dog with a love for being read to, often appeared in Garner’s popular Instagram series, Pretend Cooking Show.

Garner expressed gratitude for the timing of Birdie’s passing, noting that the beloved pet seemed to hold on until her child returned home from college, allowing the family to say their goodbyes. “She waited for all of us,” Garner wrote. “We spent her final moments petting her soft ears and thanking her for the unconditional love she gave us.”

Finding Strength Amid Loss

Despite the overwhelming grief, Garner’s actions highlight her resilience and determination to make a difference. Her ability to channel personal loss into meaningful action serves as a reminder of the power of community and compassion during times of crisis.

Through her partnerships with World Central Kitchen and Save the Children, Garner continues to advocate for those impacted by the wildfires. She’s also leaning into her own grief, sharing her journey with the world in hopes of inspiring others to offer support in whatever way they can.

Looking Ahead

As California rebuilds from the ashes, Garner’s story of heartbreak and hope is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Whether honoring her friend, supporting wildfire survivors, or remembering her beloved Birdie, Garner remains a beacon of empathy and action.

“Loss is never easy,” she said, reflecting on the past months. “But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we can all do something—no matter how small—to help each other through the darkest times. That’s what I’m committed to doing.”

Jennifer Garner’s journey reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, there’s always room for love, hope, and the courage to make a difference.