Oscar Winner Emma Thompson Reveals Surprising Encounter: When Donald Trump Tried to Woo Her
At the recent 78th Locarno Film Festival, Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson shared an unexpected and amusing story from the late 1990s — a phone call from Donald Trump inviting her on a date.
It was during a pivotal time in Thompson’s life. Fresh off her divorce from actor Kenneth Branagh and in the midst of filming Primary Colors, she was relaxing in her trailer when her phone rang. On the other end, a voice announced, “Hello, this is Donald Trump.”
Initially, Thompson thought it must be a prank. But reflecting on the timing, she joked that perhaps Trump was searching for “a nice divorcee” to accompany him. Despite the intrigue, Thompson politely declined the invitation, though she couldn’t help but muse that saying yes might have given her “a story to tell” — and, who knows, perhaps even “changed the course of history.”
The story came alongside reflections on her past relationships. Thompson married Branagh in 1989, with the couple splitting in 1995 amid public speculation around Branagh’s rumored relationship with actress Helena Bonham Carter. Yet, all involved have since moved on amicably.
Following the divorce, Thompson found lasting happiness with actor Greg Wise, whom she met while filming Sense and Sensibility. The couple married in 2003 and have two children. Meanwhile, Bonham Carter pursued a long-term partnership with filmmaker Tim Burton, and Branagh wed art director Lindsay Brunnock the same year.
Today, Thompson remains a beloved figure in cinema, balancing a celebrated career with family life — all while cherishing this quirky, little-known chapter involving a certain real estate mogul turned president.