Tim Curry‘s Plaza Hotel Tale: A ”Home Alone 2″ Story of Lies and Trump’s Cameo
Tim Curry, the celebrated actor known for roles in classics like “the Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “It,” recently shared a captivating anecdote about his time filming “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” His story involves a polite fib told too Ivana Trump, then president of The Plaza Hotel – a location central to the film’s plot.
Curry played the concierge in the beloved sequel, and his experience at the iconic hotel was… less than luxurious, at least initially. He recounted a direct interaction with Ivana Trump during a recent interview.
A White Lie at The Plaza
She knocked on his door and inquired about his satisfaction with the accommodations. “Are you happy in your room? Do you like the way it looks?” she asked.
Curry admitted he “loathed” the room, but responded with a diplomatic untruth. He chose to tell her everything was perfect, prioritizing politeness over honesty in the moment. This reveals a glimpse into the dynamics of navigating a high-profile filming location owned by Donald Trump.
Donald Trump’s Involvement: A Cameo with Conditions
Beyond the hotel setting, Donald Trump himself played a role in the production of “Home Alone 2.” He actively sought to be involved, specifically wanting to introduce his then-girlfriend, Marla Maples, to director Chris Columbus.
Trump reportedly believed Maples possessed important acting talent, stating, “I’ve got to get Marla to meet Chris Columbus because she’s a brilliant actress.” Curry, understandably, remained skeptical.
Though, Trump’s involvement didn’t stop at introductions. He leveraged his ownership of The Plaza to secure a cameo appearance in the film.
The Price of Filming at The Plaza
Columbus explained that Trump’s participation was a non-negotiable condition for filming at the hotel. “The only way you can use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie,” Trump insisted.
The director agreed, and a fee was paid for the location. Interestingly,the initial audience reaction to Trump’s brief screen time was surprisingly positive.
An Unexpected Audience Response
During the frist screening, audiences actually cheered when Trump appeared on screen. Columbus, recognizing this unexpected enthusiasm, decided to keep the cameo intact.
“I said to my editor,’Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience,'” he recalled. Despite acknowledging that Trump “did bully his way into the movie,” Columbus ultimately recognized the audience’s enjoyment of the moment.
This story offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of a holiday classic. It highlights the intersection of celebrity, real estate, and filmmaking, and provides a charmingly candid perspective from a seasoned actor like Tim Curry.You’ll likely view that brief Plaza Hotel scene in a new light knowing the story behind it.
