Legendary actor Michael Crawford has shared insights on Donald Trump’s off-camera persona after the US President honored him with a prestigious medal for his contributions to American arts. Originally hailing from Wiltshire, Michael has been a prominent figure in stage and screen for over sixty years. He is best known for portraying Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and originating the role of the Phantom of the Opera in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production, with over 1,300 performances from 1986 to 1991.
Recently, Michael was awarded the Kennedy Centre medal during a ceremony at the Oval Office, recognizing his artistic achievements alongside other notable figures like Kiss, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone. Trump lauded Michael as a Broadway star and praised the 2025 award recipients as a distinguished class.
The billionaire tycoon reminisced about attending Michael’s Broadway debut in Black Comedy in 1967 and expressed admiration for his talent and international acclaim. Michael recalled Trump and his team as enjoyable company, highlighting a playful moment with actor Sylvester Stallone.
In an interview with The Times, Michael described a light-hearted interaction where Trump playfully sprayed cologne on Stallone’s face, causing a humorous exchange. Despite the camaraderie, Michael expressed skepticism about Trump’s claim of having comprehensive footage of Phantom of the Opera, suggesting it might be an undocumented recording.
The 2025 Kennedy Centre medal recipients were personally handpicked by Trump after he revamped the selection process, causing controversy within the arts community. Trump’s increased involvement in the Kennedy Centre has led to a decline in ticket sales, sparking criticism from Washington’s artistic circles.
The restructuring of the Kennedy Centre under Trump’s leadership has stirred debate, with concerns raised about the impact on artistic integrity and autonomy. The president’s move to assert greater control over the centre has triggered backlash and raised questions about the future direction of the renowned institution.