Did Emma Thompson go on a date with Donald Trump? Actress looks back on it, says she could have ‘changed’ American History

Actress Emma Thompson revealed that she had an interesting over-the-phone encounter with Donald Trump. She recently won the Leopard Club Award at the Locarno Film Festival 2025. At the venue, she revealed getting a call from the President while in her trailer. It was when the shoot for the 1998 drama, Primary Colors, was underway. The actress recalled:

“I was in my trailer one day while we were making that movie, and the phone rang, and it was Donald Trump. I didn’t know the number of the phone.”

She said when she picked up the phone, Donald Trump introduced himself, but she thought it was a prank. Emma Thompson asked how she could help him, as she thought the person might have been looking for directions. In her words, Trump’s response was:

“I’d love you to come and stay at one of my beautiful places. Maybe we could have dinner.”

The actress appreciated the gesture and said she would get back to him. However, looking back on the decision, she said:

“But I could have gone on a date with Donald Trump, and then I would have a story to tell. I could have changed the course of American history.”

Emma Thompson explained that the day she received the call was the same day she got the final papers for her divorce. She said Trump might have been searching for someone newly single to take out. She felt it was like stalking.

What did Emma Thompson say about her roles in Harry Potter, Love Actually, and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande?

Emma Thompson is also known for portraying Professor Sybill Trelawney in the Harry Potter series. Reflecting on her work in the series, she said it wasn’t pertinent to her creative process. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, trying not to displease the fans, she said:

“I’m really sorry. I don’t mean to be rude to those of you who like Harry Potter, but you know, I really came in, did a bit with glasses and hair, and then left, having been quite well paid. I’m very grateful to them.”

According to Variety, the actress also looked back on her 2003 romance comedy, Love Actually, saying she remembered Hugh Grant asking her if it was the most unusual thing they had ever made. Later, strangers came up to her on public transport, crying.

She felt the scene touched people because women often have to hide their heartbreak, pretending to be cheerful. She still found it surprising and a little strange that the film became so iconic. Speaking about her character, Susan Robinson, in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Emma Thompson said:

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“I loved her fear, I loved that she knew she was missing something important. She did all the right things and by the time we meet her, she’s just depressed and confused.”

Emma Thompson said that many people had shared their thoughts about the movie. Younger women told her they had never experienced it, and older gay men said it helped them feel better about their bodies. She explained that it was important for her character to have this experience.

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