Jonathan Rhys Meyers has described losing his Malibu home during California wildfires last year as "cathartic".
Speaking on the red carpet at the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards in Dublin, the actor said: "At the time, obviously, it was shocking and then, on reflection, it's kind of cathartic.
"It builds character, if you look at it the right way, but yes, you don’t plan for it."
Rhys Meyers, best known for roles in The Tudors and Vikings, was presenting an award at Friday night’s ceremony.
He said his family are now doing "very, very well" a year on, adding: "The most important thing in my house was safe, that’s my son, everything else you can build again."
The IFTA Awards will be broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Saturday, 21 February at 10.50pm.
