This week, devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have displaced thousands of families, consuming homes, valuable possessions and priceless mementoes. Among the losses are significant pieces of Hollywood history, as several historic residences featured in iconic films and television shows face severe damage or complete destruction. One such property is the Altadena mansion, the award-winning Max comedy series "Hacks".

According to an eyewitness, the 1915 Spanish Colonial Revival mansion has been largely destroyed by the Eaton fire, with only its facade still standing. However, with mandatory evacuation orders still in effect, confirmation of the damage remains unverified.

Serious concerns have arisen over the fate of the historic Crank House, a filming location for "Matilda", "Scream 2", and "Catch Me If You Can", along with the residence featured in "Step Brothers". 

Additionally, the renowned Rubio Street—home to grand estates frequently showcased in Hollywood productions such as "Risky Business" and "This Is Us", faces a significant threat from the encroaching flames.

Meanwhile, images circulating online confirm the destruction of the McNally House  from "Entourage" and various other productions, as it succumbs to the inferno. Among the many structures lost in the Palisades fire is the historic ranch house of actor Will Rogers. 

The Altadena mansion, featured in "Hacks", made its debut in Season 2 as Deborah Vance's (Jean Smart) secondary residence in Los Angeles. Originally, the script had envisioned the scene taking place at the well-known 'Pink Princess Mansion Estate.' However, after the property changed ownership and underwent extensive renovations, the production team for the Universal TV series was forced to find an alternative. Location manager Kyle Sucher ultimately recommended the five-bedroom Altadena estate, according to Production Designer Alec Contestabile, an Emmy nominee for his work on the show.

"This location has been a recurring location," noted Scott Kradolfer, the key assistant locations manager for "Hacks", adding that the mansion appeared in multiple episodes each season.

The mansion was also set to appear in the upcoming fourth season of "Hacks", which is still in production. However, filming has been temporarily halted due to the ongoing wildfires.

"We had already used the location earlier this season; in fact, it was one of the first places we shot for Season 4," said Scott Kradolfer. "Fortunately, we managed to film there at the start of the season, but now it's uncertain whether Deborah Vance's character will return to that setting."

Both interior and exterior scenes for the series have been filmed at the estate. "We shot on the street, in the front courtyard, throughout the house, and extensively in the backyard," Kradolfer explained. "I became very familiar with the property."

That includes its most unique feature.

"The most unique feature—whether admired or disliked—was its color," Kradolfer remarked. "The architecture embodied a distinct pink Spanish Colonial Revival style. Some might have considered it an eyesore, but to me, it had a natural charm and a rich, storied past."

For over a century, the mansion has served as a sought-after filming location, dating back to its appearance in the 1921 Max Linder silent film "Seven Years Bad Luck". 

Over the decades, it has provided the filming location for numerous productions, including TV series such as "Knots Landing", "Ratched", and, most recently, "Palm Royale". Even a widely recognised Target commercial, which gained significant traction online, featured the mansion's backyard as part of its set.

Throughout the past three seasons of "Hacks", Scott Kradolfer and his team developed a connection with the neighbourhood, frequently working closely with local homeowners. "We've gotten to know the area incredibly well," he reflected.

When the Eaton fire erupted, Kradolfer immediately reached out to six families living on the affected block. Heartbreakingly, three of them confirmed that their homes had been completely destroyed. While the fate of the "Hacks" mansion remains uncertain, Kradolfer did check in with its owners to ensure their safety.

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"It's truly devastating," he said. "There's a lot of history up there, and now so much of it is gone."