Shirley MacLaine Recounts Uncomfortable Encounter with Donald Trump in the ’80s
Shirley MacLaine has recently shared details of an unsettling encounter with Donald Trump back in the 1980s. The 90-year-old Oscar winner, in an excerpt from her new book titled “The Wall of Life: Pictures and Stories from This Marvelous Lifetime,” revealed that she has met a total of 13 U.S. presidents, including the 45th and current Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.
In her book, MacLaine reminisced about meeting Trump at an event in the ’80s, where she felt extremely uncomfortable. She described the encounter, which took place when she was exploring a vacant apartment in Trump’s 666 Fifth Avenue building in Manhattan. At the time, Trump was a rising real-estate mogul who had gained prominence after appearances on shows like the Oprah Winfrey Show and David Letterman.
Recalling the encounter, MacLaine said, “There was a vacant apartment in that building. I went up to look at it and walked in because I knew it was available, and he was there. We met in a room where no one else was.” She added, “In his head, I could see he was undressing himself and me, and I got out of there very fast. Didn’t take the apartment either – and it was too expensive.”
Apart from her interaction with Trump, MacLaine also reflected on her experiences with other world leaders, highlighting moments that placed her in the midst of historical events. She mentioned attending JFK’s iconic 1962 birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden, where Marilyn Monroe famously serenaded the president with “Happy Birthday.”
The book also delves into MacLaine’s involvement with the Kennedys, featuring a photo from an afterparty with John and Robert Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe, as well as a snapshot with Ted Kennedy taken 22 years later. She shared a humorous anecdote from 1984 about Teddy Kennedy laughing over his brothers’ ability to pull off certain feats.
Having encountered almost every president since Harry Truman, MacLaine noted her admiration for some leaders while expressing disdain towards others. She confessed to being intrigued by Jimmy Carter’s intelligence and having a positive view of Ronald Reagan, whom she considered a show business favourite.
In her reflections on meeting various presidents, MacLaine’s revelations provide a unique insight into her encounters with political figures and historical moments throughout her remarkable lifetime.
Insights:
Shirley MacLaine’s candid retelling of her encounter with Donald Trump sheds light on the complexity of interactions between celebrities and powerful figures. Her ability to vividly recall moments with world leaders like JFK and the Kennedys offers a fascinating perspective on the intersection of fame, politics, and personal experiences. MacLaine’s storytelling in her new book adds depth to our understanding of history and human connections in the realm of celebrity culture.