Would Trump Have Become a Hollywood Star if He Went to Hollywood After Graduation?

In the late 1960s, Donald Trump reportedly considered moving to Hollywood right after his college graduation. The question remains: if he had decided to follow this path, would he have become a big Hollywood star? The evidence suggests that it is highly unlikely.

Unfavorable Conditions for a Hollywood Career

The best indicator of Trump's potential in the entertainment industry is his track record in New York City, which has its own major position in the broader entertainment landscape. Despite access to millions of dollars for investment and the opportunity to meet and interact with industry players, Trump's ventures in media and entertainment have been limited. Most notably, his presence in the media spotlight prior to the release of The Apprentice did not translate into substantial success.

The reality series The Apprentice did not become the massive success one might expect given Trump's previous attempts to position himself in the media. The fact that it took him over 35 years to leverage a role in entertainment further suggests that his potential in the industry was, at best, modest. Even if he had the chance, Trump’s business failures, especially bankruptcies in the 1980s and 1990s, indicate that he likely lacked the necessary skills to succeed in Hollywood.

Entering the Industry as an Act

Acting: There are several factors that make it unlikely for Trump to have found success as an actor. Firstly, his lack of direction and the unpleasing quality of his speaking voice would have made it challenging to find roles that require his participation. In Hollywood, actors must be able to take direction promptly and deliver lines that resonate with the audience and the director. Given Trump's difficulties in the past, it’s reasonable to assume that his acting career would have struggled to gain traction.

Director’s Perspective: Many directors may have reservations about working with Trump multiple times. His on-screen presence and public speaking skills might not align with the expectations of a Hollywood actor, leading to limited opportunities for repeated collaborations.

Alternate Path to Hollywood Stardom

Studio Hierarchy: While a Hollywood career as an actor may have been challenging, Trump's business acumen could have propelled him into other areas within the entertainment industry. Trump's ego and business skills would have been highly relevant in the studio hierarchy. In this role, he could have succeeded in a different manner, perhaps managing projects or overseeing other aspects of production behind the scenes.

Industry Comparison: The comparison to Harvey Weinstein underscores the challenges faced by individuals attempting to penetrate Hollywood. Weinstein's rise and eventual downfall highlight the complex web of power and influence within the industry. Trump’s background would have made him susceptible to similar pressures and challenges.

Conclusion

While Trump’s potential in the entertainment industry cannot be fully assessed without knowing if he had pursued his dreams, the evidence strongly suggests that his efforts would have been limited. Both as an actor and a behind-the-scenes executive in the industry, the challenges would have made it difficult for him to rise to the level of a major Hollywood star. On the other hand, his business skills might have found a niche in a different capacity in Hollywood's broader ecosystem.

Key Takeaways: The industry's competitive nature, the requirement for direction and vocal skills for acting, and the potential for leveraging business acumen to navigate other aspects of entertainment are crucial factors in evaluating Trump's potential in Hollywood.