The recent flooding in Louisiana has left multiple communities devastated with over 20,000 residents currently displaced and for actor Wendell Pierce, the effects of it all have literally hit home.
Wendell and his family were one of over 400,000 families in the New Orleans area who lost their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and he revealed on Sunday that his Baton Rogue home has now also been destroyed as a result of the flooding. The veteran Hollywood actor was visibly shaken and hardly interested in discussing the deeply personal matter when TMZ cameras caught up with him on Sunday as he was leaving L.A. to head back home to Louisiana.
After sharing that he lost his home to the flooding and describing the situation as a private pain, he had very little additional commentary to add in response to questions. “I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Pierce responded, when asked by the cameraman whether or not he had plans to raise funds for the Louisiana communities affected by the flooding. “I just lost everything.” Despite being understandably reluctant to say much about he and his family’s experience during the flooding on camera, Pierce did take to social media with a few messages in the wake of the storm.
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My neighbors & I have flooded in Baton Rouge. I am reminded of the generosity given to my family during Katrina. Now we will care for you
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) August 14, 2016
In our darkest hours @roddreher faith and family is all we have and need.
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) August 15, 2016
A 52-year-old New Orleans native, Pierce’s childhood home where his parents still resided at the time was also damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. So far, the storm has been responsible for at least eight fatalities, with over 20,000 residents rescued from flooded areas or homes.