Love? Actually, No: Emma Thompson Reveals Donald Trump Once Asked Her on a Date

Published: 19th July 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Academy Award-winning actress Emma Thompson has shared a surprising revelation from her past involving former US President Donald Trump. In a candid and humorous recount at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, where she was honoured with the Leopard Club award for career achievement, Thompson disclosed that Trump once called her with a date proposal — on the very day her divorce from actor and director Kenneth Branagh was finalised in 1998.

While filming the political satire Primary Colors—a film loosely based on Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign—Thompson was in her trailer when the unexpected phone call came. “It was Donald Trump,” she told the festival audience. “He said: ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump.’ I thought it was a joke and asked: ‘How can I help you?’ Maybe he needed directions from someone.”

Trump reportedly invited her to stay at one of his luxury properties and suggested they might have dinner together. Thompson recalled responding politely, “Well, that’s very sweet. Thank you so much. I’ll get back to you.” At the time, Trump had recently separated from his second wife, Marla Maples, while Thompson was finalising her split from Branagh.

Only later did Thompson notice the timing of the call coincided precisely with the day her divorce decree was issued. “I bet he’s got people looking for a nice divorcee to take out on his arm,” she joked. “And he found the number in my trailer. I mean, that’s stalking.”

Thompson, known for her lifelong support of the Labour Party and her vocal advocacy for environmental causes, refugees, and women’s rights, reflected wryly on how history might have been different had she accepted Trump’s invitation. “I could have gone on a date with Donald Trump, and then I would have a story to tell,” she said. “I could have changed the course of American history.”

The actress also spoke about her iconic role as Karen in Richard Curtis’ beloved 2003 Christmas romantic comedy Love Actually. In the film, Thompson’s character grapples with heartbreak when she discovers her husband’s infidelity, portrayed by Alan Rickman. She suggested the enduring appeal of the film lies in its honest depiction of concealed heartbreak, especially among women who often feel the need to hide their pain.

“It’s honestly a constant source of astonishment to me that that film lasted — not that I don’t like the film. I like it very much, but it’s weird,” she said. Reflecting on Karen’s heartbreak, she added, “I believe its appeal touched a nerve because when we get a heartbreak, especially women, we have to hide it because we don’t want people to see it.”

Emma Thompson’s engaging anecdotes and sharp wit continue to captivate audiences, offering a blend of personal insight, humour, and reflection on both her professional journey and the cultural moments that have defined her career.