Recently at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson made waves with a candid confession: she claimed that, just after her divorce was finalised in 1998, none other than Donald Trump—the future U.S. President—called her personally to ask her out for dinner.
The Day Everything Changed
Thompson shared that the moment happened while she was filming the movie Primary Colors. She was sitting in her trailer, thinking about her new life post-divorce, when the phone rang. On the other end was a voice claiming to be Donald Trump.
“I thought it was a joke. He said ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump,’ and I assumed someone was playing a prank,” Emma recounted. Curious, she played along and asked, ‘How can I help you?’
Trump replied, ‘I’d love you to come and stay at one of my beautiful places. Maybe we could have dinner together.’
Emma laughed politely and told him, ‘That’s very sweet. Thank you so much. I’ll get back to you’—then hung up, still thinking it was a prank call.

It was only later that Thompson realised the call was genuine, and Trump really was reaching out to ask her on a date, right after ending his marriage to Marla Maples. At the time, Trump was single and apparently looking for a new partner—possibly thinking a famous British actress who had also gone through a divorce would be a good match.
Was Trump Looking for a “Nice Divorcee”?
Thompson’s story quickly became a light-hearted topic at the film festival. She joked, “It seems his team might have been looking for a suitable life partner for him… a nice divorced woman!” Her humor added a human touch to what could have been an awkward moment.
The actress reflected, “If I had said yes to the dinner, maybe the course of American history would have changed!” Eventually, she never took up Trump’s offer and moved on, but she admitted, “He even got hold of my trailer number. They were really keeping an eye on me.” Her fans were surprised and amused how real-life moments can affect global headlines.
About Emma Thompson: Hollywood’s Versatile Star
Emma Thompson is known for her versatility in films ranging from drama to comedy. She has won Academy Awards for both acting and screenwriting—a rare achievement. Famous for her roles in “Sense and Sensibility,” “Love Actually,” and the “Harry Potter” series, Thompson has also spoken about her personal life with honesty and wit. At 66, her career continues to thrive, and she remains a respected figure in film and theatre.
Recently, she celebrated her achievements with the prestigious Leopard Club Award at Locarno, appearing with her daughter Gaia Wise and discussing the importance of creativity, storytelling, and resilience for women in challenging times.
Donald Trump’s Divorce Timeline: The Context
To add clarity, Trump separated from his second wife, Marla Maples, in May 1997, and their divorce was finalised by June 8, 1999. He met Melania around the same period. The call to Emma Thompson happened in 1998, aligning with rumors that Trump was in search of companionship during this phase in his personal life.
Media Reaction & Cultural Impact
Thompson’s story instantly became a trending topic, with many people joking about what would have happened if she had accepted Trump’s invitation. The episode highlights how Hollywood stories and political personalities sometimes cross paths in unexpected—sometimes humorous—ways.
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