Before stepping into the political arena, Donald Trump was a prominent figure in the business and entertainment world. His entrepreneurial ventures and media appearances laid the groundwork for his unconventional path to the presidency. While many remember him from "The Apprentice," Trump's foray into entertainment began much earlier, including a surprising number of acting roles.
One of his most recognizable cameos was in the holiday classic "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York." As the then-owner of The Plaza Hotel, Trump briefly interacts with young Kevin McCallister, providing directions to the lobby. This cameo often overshadows a longer list of appearances in film and television.
Early Acting Roles and "Ghosts Can't Do It"
Trump's acting debut was in the 1989 film "Ghosts Can't Do It," alongside Bo Derek and Anthony Quinn. He portrayed himself in business negotiations and scenes with Derek. While the film wasn't a critical or commercial success, Derek later spoke positively of Trump's performance.
Soap Operas, Sitcoms, and "The Fresh Prince"
Trump also ventured into the world of soap operas with a brief appearance on "All My Children." He later admitted to not having a strong recollection of the experience, citing his busy schedule. A more memorable sitcom cameo was on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" with then-wife Marla Maples. They played potential buyers of the Banks family's mansion, leading to humorous interactions with the cast. 
From "The Little Rascals" to "Zoolander"
In "The Little Rascals," Trump played Waldo's father, offering a rare instance where he didn't portray himself. He appeared in "Hart to Hart: Secrets of the Hart," "The Nanny" (where a humorous anecdote about his wealth surfaced), and "Suddenly Susan," sharing the screen with Kathy Griffin. Trump also had cameos in two Whoopi Goldberg films, "The Associate" and "Eddie." He even appeared in the superhero series "NightMan." In the comedy "Zoolander," Trump and Melania made a red-carpet appearance, discussing the titular character's impact on male modeling.
Later Appearances and "Days of Our Lives"
In "Sex and the City," Trump appeared in a scene observed by Samantha, with Carrie's voiceover highlighting the quintessential New York setting. Hugh Grant recounted a less memorable encounter with Trump during the filming of "Two Weeks Notice." Trump's most recent cameo was in a 2005 episode of "Days of Our Lives," involving a humorous exchange with Arianne Zucker's character.
