During the 78th Locarno Film Festival, Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson shared an unexpected story from the late 1990s involving former U.S. President Donald Trump. At the time, Thompson had just finalized her divorce from actor Kenneth Branagh and was on the set of the film Primary Colors when she received a surprising phone call.

The call came directly to her trailer. A man introduced himself as Donald Trump, leaving Thompson momentarily confused, even suspecting it might be a prank. Trump invited her out on a date, an offer she politely declined. Reflecting on it years later, she joked that perhaps accepting the invitation could have “changed the course of history.”

Thompson noted the odd timing of the call, humorously suggesting that Trump may have been seeking a “nice divorcee” at the time. Though she said no, she admitted that going might have given her an unforgettable story — though she clearly has no regrets about her decision.

The conversation around Trump’s invitation led to discussion about Thompson’s personal life. She and Branagh were married from 1989 until their high-profile divorce in 1995. The split was followed by public interest in Branagh’s reported romance with actress Helena Bonham Carter, which drew media attention but has since settled peacefully.

Following her divorce, Thompson found love again with actor Greg Wise, whom she met on the set of Sense and Sensibility. They married in 2003 and have built a stable family life with their two children, staying largely out of the tabloid spotlight.

While Helena Bonham Carter later had a long relationship with filmmaker Tim Burton, and Branagh married art director Lindsay Brunnock, Thompson remains focused on her career and family. The Trump anecdote remains a humorous and surprising footnote in her long, successful journey in both Hollywood and life.