A Lighthearted Moment in a Storied Career
Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson has long been celebrated for her wit, intelligence, and remarkable talent. Over the years, she has won critical acclaim for films such as Howard’s End, Sense and Sensibility, and Saving Mr. Banks. But during an appearance at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, she shared a story that had nothing to do with her filmography — and everything to do with one of the most unexpected phone calls of her life.
In the late 1990s, Thompson was filming the political satire Primary Colors, a film loosely inspired by the U.S. presidential campaign of Bill Clinton. It was during this time, she revealed, that she answered her trailer phone to hear a voice say, “Hello, this is Donald Trump.”
A Surprising Invitation
Thompson initially assumed it was a prank. At the time, Donald Trump was a well-known real estate developer and television personality, often making headlines for his high-profile business ventures and appearances in the media.
Once she realized the call was genuine, she learned that Trump was inviting her to meet him. Thompson, who has always been selective about her engagements, politely declined. Reflecting on the encounter decades later, she joked that saying yes might have given her “a story to tell” for the rest of her life — though it seems the story is already one her fans find unforgettable.
The Context: Emma Thompson in the Late 1990s
The phone call came at a time when Thompson was navigating a personal and professional transition. She had finalized her divorce from fellow actor Kenneth Branagh in 1995 after six years of marriage. The split was widely covered in the media, as both actors were among Britain’s most prominent film stars.
By the time of the phone call, Thompson was deeply focused on her work. Primary Colors, released in 1998, earned her widespread praise for her portrayal of a character loosely based on First Lady Hillary Clinton. The role demonstrated her versatility, moving seamlessly from period dramas to modern political comedies.
Meeting Greg Wise and Building a Family
Not long after, Thompson met actor Greg Wise while working on Sense and Sensibility, a film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel. Wise played the charming but flawed John Willoughby, while Thompson not only starred as Elinor Dashwood but also wrote the screenplay, winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The pair began a relationship and married in 2003. They went on to raise two children together, maintaining a relatively private family life compared to many in Hollywood.
Donald Trump in the 1990s
In the era when the phone call took place, Donald Trump was best known for his real estate empire, particularly his luxury hotels and casinos, as well as for owning the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants. He frequently appeared in gossip columns, talk shows, and cameo roles in films and television series.
His public persona was one of wealth, ambition, and bold self-promotion — traits that made the idea of him personally calling an Oscar-winning actress both surprising and memorable.
Why the Story Resonates With Fans
Part of what makes Thompson’s anecdote so popular is the contrast between her grounded, self-deprecating humor and the unexpected glamour of a phone call from one of America’s most famous businessmen.
The encounter did not lead to a meeting, but it remains an example of the unusual experiences that can happen to celebrities, especially those working internationally. For Thompson, it is just one of many colorful moments in a career that has spanned more than three decades.
Life After the Call
Since that moment in the late 1990s, Thompson’s career has continued to flourish. She has taken on roles in critically acclaimed films such as Nanny McPhee, An Education, Saving Mr. Banks, Late Night, and Matilda the Musical. She has also been an outspoken advocate for humanitarian and environmental causes.
Her marriage to Greg Wise remains strong, and the couple often appear together at industry events. Thompson has spoken in interviews about the importance of balancing her work with family life, crediting Wise with being a supportive partner.
Kenneth Branagh, Helena Bonham Carter, and Moving On
While Thompson moved forward with Wise, her ex-husband Kenneth Branagh also built a successful career as a director and actor. In 2003, he married art director Lindsay Brunnock. Actress Helena Bonham Carter, who worked with Branagh in the 1990s, later entered a long-term relationship with filmmaker Tim Burton, with whom she shares two children.
These parallel paths demonstrate that all parties involved have found happiness and fulfillment in their own ways, leaving the past in the past.
A Memorable Hollywood Footnote
For many celebrities, the most unusual stories happen behind the scenes — and sometimes, those stories are too good not to share. Thompson’s account of Donald Trump calling her out of the blue is one such moment.
It’s a tale that blends humor, celebrity culture, and the unpredictability of life in the public eye. While Thompson has achieved countless professional milestones, this offbeat memory is one she clearly enjoys retelling, much to the delight of her audience.
Conclusion
Emma Thompson’s story about receiving a phone call from Donald Trump in the 1990s offers a rare, lighthearted glimpse into the unexpected moments that can occur in a Hollywood career. It’s a reminder that behind every award-winning performance and polished red-carpet appearance, there are moments of spontaneity, humor, and surprise.
Her anecdote may never have changed the course of history, but it has certainly added another chapter to her long list of memorable experiences — and solidified her reputation as not only a brilliant actress but also a gifted storyteller.