During the 78th Locarno Film Festival, actress Emma Thompson shared a surprising story from the late 1990s—one that unexpectedly brushed against American political history. At the time, she was recovering from a public divorce from actor Kenneth Branagh and was filming the political satire Primary Colors.

One afternoon, while resting in her trailer, Thompson received an unexpected phone call. A confident voice introduced himself: “Hello, this is Donald Trump.” Then known primarily as a flashy New York real estate mogul and media figure, Trump was far from the political name he would later become.

Initially convinced it was a prank, Thompson soon realized the call was real. Trump had somehow tracked down her number and was calling to ask her out. Though flattered, she politely declined, choosing instead to focus on her career and healing from personal upheaval.

Looking back, Thompson has joked that accepting the invitation might have “changed the course of history.” Her humor highlights the peculiar mingling of celebrity, business, and politics in the 1990s, when influential figures from different worlds often crossed paths in unexpected ways.

At the time, Thompson was navigating a new chapter in her life, landing critically acclaimed roles and beginning her relationship with actor Greg Wise, whom she would later marry. Trump, meanwhile, continued building his media persona before making his historic entry into U.S. politics.

For Thompson, the story is less about a missed romantic opportunity and more about the curious “what-ifs” of life. It’s a lighthearted reminder that personal choices—even a declined phone call—can sit oddly close to moments of broader historical relevance. Today, she remains admired for her talent and activism, with this anecdote standing as an amusing footnote in both entertainment and political lore.