A Shocking Call on a Significant Day
In a revelation that has captured widespread attention, Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson recently shared a surprising anecdote about President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland on August 8, Thompson recounted how Trump called her on the very day her divorce from actor Kenneth Branagh was finalized in 1998. The actress was in her trailer on the set of the political thriller 'Primary Colors' when she received the unexpected invitation to dinner.
Thompson described her initial reaction to the call, noting that she thought it was a joke. 'I picked up the phone, and this voice said, 'Hi, it's Donald Trump here,' and I thought it was a wind-up,' she recalled. The timing of the call, coinciding with such a personal milestone, added to the surreal nature of the moment for the British star.
Reflecting on a Missed Opportunity
During her talk at the festival, Thompson humorously speculated on the potential impact of accepting Trump's invitation. '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,' she quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. Her lighthearted take on the incident underscores the unexpected intersections between Hollywood and political spheres.
The actress also commented on how Trump obtained her number, suggesting a level of persistence. 'That's stalking, isn't it?' she remarked, highlighting the unusual nature of the outreach. This story adds a unique chapter to Thompson's illustrious career, known for roles in films like 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Love Actually.'
Context of a Personal Transition
Thompson's divorce from Branagh in 1998 came after a highly publicized marriage that began in 1989. Reports at the time suggested Branagh's affair with actress Helena Bonham Carter contributed to the split, though the couple had separated by 1995. The personal backdrop of this period in Thompson's life makes Trump's call all the more striking as it marked the official end of a significant chapter for her.