On August 3, 1992, Marla Maples made her Broadway debut in the role of “Ziegfeld’s Favorite” in the musical “The Will Rogers Follies.” Her performance drew considerable attention, not for her acting or singing prowess, but for her association with then-real estate mogul and future president Donald Trump, with whom she was romantically involved at the time.
Maples’ casting raised eyebrows among theater insiders and critics, who questioned whether she had landed the role on merit or through Trump’s influence. Trump, a close friend of show producer Pierre Cossette, downplayed his involvement, insisting that Maples had been cast solely on her talent. However, his lavish after-party for the show, attended by a star-studded guest list, and the sheer number of complimentary tickets he distributed suggested otherwise.
The media circus surrounding Maples’ debut overshadowed the production itself, which was struggling at the box office. The show’s associate director acknowledged that Maples’ involvement had boosted ticket sales, while talk show host Maury Povich speculated that many in the audience were hoping for a wardrobe malfunction or some other tabloid-worthy moment.
In the end, Maples’ Broadway debut was more of a PR stunt for Trump than a showcase for her acting or singing abilities. It highlighted the pervasive influence of nepotism in the entertainment industry and the power of celebrity gossip to attract attention.
