Donald Trump may be best known for his political career, but his Hollywood journey is worth noting too. Since the 1980s, the former U.S. president has made numerous cameo appearances in films, TV shows, and even documentaries, often playing himself or a larger-than-life character.
One of his most memorable roles came in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), where he made a brief appearance as the Plaza Hotel owner, offering advice to Macaulay Culkin’s character. But this was just one of many. Trump also appeared in The Little Rascals (1994) as Waldo Johnston II, the wealthy father, and in Zoolander (2001) where he attended a glitzy red-carpet event. His other notable appearances include Ghosts Can't Do It (1989), The Associate (1996), and Eddie (1996).
Beyond these, Trump was seen in popular TV shows such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Drew Carey Show, and Sex and the City, where his persona as a businessman and media mogul was often used to comic effect. His involvement in documentaries also drew attention, including You've Been Trumped (2011), which chronicles his controversial efforts to build a golf course in Scotland, and Giuliani Time (2005), where he appeared alongside his former ally Rudy Giuliani.
Trump even inspired fictional portrayals, such as Johnny Depp’s comedic take on him in Donald Trump’s The Art of the Deal: The Movie (2016). In 2024, a biopic titled The Apprentice about Trump’s early years in real estate made its Cannes debut, receiving an eight-minute standing ovation.
While Trump’s film career often showcased his extravagant persona, his appearances in Hollywood were far more than just a side note in his political saga. They gave fans a glimpse of the larger-than-life figure behind the headlines, further cementing his place in pop culture.
