Woody Allen recently reflected on his experience directing Donald Trump in the 1998 film Celebrity during an appearance on Club Random with Bill Maher. Despite Allen’s political opposition to Trump, he had only positive things to say about Trump’s professionalism on set.
Allen explained that Trump was polite, punctual, and demonstrated a natural flair for show business. “He was a pleasure to work with and a very good actor,” Allen said, praising Trump’s ability to hit his marks and carry himself convincingly in front of the camera.
Maher joked that Allen’s comments would only add to his own controversies, but the filmmaker insisted that his praise was simply the truth. Allen even went as far as to say he would gladly direct Trump again, believing he could do even more with him now.
Maher agreed that Trump was a different person in private, acknowledging that people often react emotionally when such observations are made. He noted that while he disagrees with Trump politically, acknowledging personal qualities shouldn’t be off-limits.
The conversation also touched on Maher’s own criticism from the left. He previously came under fire for attending a White House dinner with Trump in March, after which he described the former president as a “possible friend” and someone he felt comfortable talking to.
Allen expressed surprise that Trump chose politics at all, saying he seemed far more suited to a life of leisure and entertainment. “Politics is nothing but headaches and critical decisions,” Allen said, contrasting Trump’s former lifestyle of golf, Knicks games, and pageants with the grueling demands of public office.
Maher closed the discussion by criticizing the left’s refusal to engage with political opponents, calling it a self-defeating strategy. He argued that the unwillingness to even sit at the same table with those on the right reflects an elitist attitude that only deepens division.