Recently, Sebastian Stan shared his thoughts on portraying Donald Trump in The Apprentice, describing it as the most stressful role he has ever taken on in his career.
At the 2025 Golden Globes, Stan won Best Actor for his performance in A Different Man. During an interview, when asked about the toughest role he’s ever played, he pointed to his portrayal of Trump, noting how challenging it was both emotionally and professionally.
Stan commented, “Without a doubt, the man in orange, right? Donald Trump, definitely the hardest.” While he expressed gratitude for the recognition his role in A Different Man received, he made it clear that playing Trump was an entirely different challenge. “And that is not to diminish why I’m up here right now talking to you,” Stan said, emphasizing that the recognition he was receiving was important, but the Trump role carried a unique weight.
The actor explained that the role was particularly difficult because it required him to step into the shoes of a polarizing figure. “There was a big risk in terms of what it speaks to and trying to walk into somebody else’s shoes,” he added.
Stan further elaborated on the emotional toll the role took on him, revealing that for weeks, he barely slept, often only getting a few hours of rest at a time. He felt a deep responsibility to portray Trump accurately, and it weighed heavily on him. “When I look back at the nice sleepless nights and the responsibility that I feel I carried and I still feel… it’s about The Apprentice and wanting to do the best that I can to honor out the boss division and to offer further perspective on something that I think we’re all inevitably having to do,” Stan explained.
Directed by Ali Abbasi, The Apprentice delves into Donald Trump’s early years in New York’s real estate scene, long before his presidency. The film presents a complex character study, exploring the personality and ambition that fueled his rise through the business world.