Barry Sonnenfeld Reflects on Firing Donald Trump: A Behind-the-Scenes Tale

Barry Sonnenfeld is a director, cinematographer, and producer with decades of experience in Hollywood. His new memoir, Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time, shares insights from his career. The Washington Post describes it as reminiscent of a “gossipy Hollywood lunch.”

In an interview with Tom Power from Q, Sonnenfeld reveals amusing stories, including one about directing Michael Jackson. On set, Jackson could only be referred to as “King of Pop” or “Number One.” Sonnenfeld recalls a confrontational experience with Donald Trump while filming a 2009 Macy’s commercial.

Sonnenfeld said, “I fired Donald Trump off of a Macy’s commercial.” Trump demanded that Sonnenfeld shoot him only from his “good side.” After acknowledging Trump’s request, Sonnenfeld switched to Martha Stewart for her close-up. Trump later tried to negotiate again, but Sonnenfeld moved on, telling him, “Go home! We’re done here.”

In 2016, while filming A Series of Unfortunate Events in Vancouver, Sonnenfeld met Christy Clark, the premier of British Columbia. Shortly after Trump’s election, Clark asked Sonnenfeld if he wanted to move to Canada. Sonnenfeld did relocate, saying, “Everyone talked about moving to Canada if Trump got elected, and we did.”

Sonnenfeld now enjoys living as a permanent resident on a farm in Pemberton, British Columbia. He discusses more of his experiences in the full interview which is available on the Q with Tom Power podcast.