Woody Allen is generating talk after speaking candidly about his previous experience of directing Donald Trump and dishing out unexpected compliments for the former president’s acting ability.
The Oscar-winning director spoke on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, where he spoke about Trump’s cameo in his 1998 film Celebrity and even confessed that he would indeed direct him again.
When Trump was still most famous as a ostentatious New York real estate tycoon, he had a cameo in Allen’s parody film alongside such celebrities as Charlize Theron and Leonardo DiCaprio. In the short but memorable part, Trump deadpans to a reporter about purchasing St. Patrick’s Cathedral and potentially substituting it with “a very beautiful building.”
Allen remembered Trump being “a pleasure to work with” and called him “a very good actor” and courteous and professional on set. “He did everything right and had a real knack for show business,” Allen said. “If he would allow me to direct him now that he’s president, I think I could do wonders.
Maher humorously responded that such a remark would only further enhance Allen’s history as a provocateur. But the 89-year-old director clarified his remarks were in no way about Trump’s politics. “I’m a Democrat. I voted for Kamala Harris. I disagree with him on 95% of the things, maybe 99%,” Allen clarified. “But as an actor, he was excellent. He was believable and had a charisma.”. I’m not a Trumper. I’m just one of the few people who can say he directed Trump.”
Allen admitted he was surprised that Trump pursued the presidency at all, given his glamorous lifestyle. “He had everything: Knicks games, golf, judging beauty contests,” Allen said. “Why give it up for politics, which is nothing but headaches and critical decisions and agony?”
Aside from talking about Trump, Allen pondered his own mortality and age. He is turning 90 this year and explained to Maher that he believes his life is approaching its last chapter. “I intend to die in the next several years,” Allen said flatly, but admitted his parents lived long lives and he is currently in good health. “But overnight that could change. Suddenly you reach that number.”
Even as he nears a milestone birthday, Allen remains in the news – this time by combining Hollywood nostalgia with observations on politics, mortality, and the surprise experience of directing Donald Trump.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
