At the Locarno Film Festival on August 9, 2025, Emma Thompson captivated audiences with a surprising tale about a phone call from Donald Trump during the filming of Primary Colors in 1998, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. While in her trailer, the Oscar-winning actress received an unexpected call from Trump, then known for his real estate ventures. “It was Donald Trump. He said, ‘Hello, this is Donald Trump?’” Thompson recalled, mimicking his distinctive voice. She initially thought it was a prank, asking, “How can I help you? Maybe he needed directions,” she quipped to the amused crowd.
Trump proposed she stay at one of his properties and have dinner, saying, “I’d love you to come and stay at one of my beautiful places. Maybe we could have dinner.” Thompson, caught off guard, responded politely, “Well, that’s very sweet. Thank you so much. I’ll get back to you.” Reflecting on the incident, she noted the call coincided with her divorce from Kenneth Branagh, finalized that day. “I realized that on that day, my divorce decree had come through,” she said, speculating, “I bet he’s got people looking for suitable people he could take out on his arm. And he found the number in my trailer. I mean, that’s stalking.” She humorously added, “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.”
Thompson also discussed her role as Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter series, downplaying its significance. “It’s really not part of my creative endeavors,” she said, explaining, “I came in, did a bit with a lot of glasses and hair, and then left having been quite well paid,” prompting laughs from the Locarno audience, per The Hollywood Reporter. She expressed gratitude but emphasized the role wasn’t a major part of her artistic journey.
Key highlights from Thompson’s Locarno talk include:
- Trump’s Call: Invited her to dinner during Primary Colors filming in 1998.
- Harry Potter Role: Described as minor, not central to her creative work.
- Festival Honor: Received the Leopard Club Award for career achievement.
Thompson also touched on Love Actually, noting its lasting popularity despite its “weird” structure, particularly the emotional scene where her character hides heartbreak. “It’s her covering it up afterwards and then tidying the bed and going downstairs and being cheerful,” she said, per The Hollywood Reporter. The festival, running through August 16, celebrated Thompson with the Leopard Club Award, recognizing her four-decade career, including her unique Oscar wins for acting and screenwriting.
