Acclaimed actress Emma Thompson shared a surprising story about being asked out by former US President Donald Trump during an interview at the Locarno film festival in Switzerland. In 1998, while filming the political satire Primary Colors, Thompson received a phone call from Trump who asked her to join him for dinner at one of his properties.
Thompson initially dismissed the request as a joke, responding with a polite but firm “no thank you.” However, it wasn’t until later that she realized the timing of the invitation – the same day her divorce from Kenneth Branagh was finalized. She joked that Trump might have been trying to capitalize on her recent marital status.
The actress, a vocal supporter of Labour and environmental causes, shared that accepting Trump’s offer would have altered geopolitics. Instead, Thompson has had a long and illustrious career in film, including iconic roles in Love Actually and Richard Curtis’ Christmas classic.
Thompson revealed that the enduring popularity of Love Actually lies in its ability to touch on universal emotions, particularly heartbreak experienced by women. As she reflected on her character’s journey, Karen’s struggles with infidelity resonated deeply with audiences.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/aug/10/love-actually-no-emma-thompson-reveals-donald-trump-asked-her-on-a-date