Ruby Wax is captivating audiences on a current reality show, bringing her signature wit and a lifetime of audacious encounters to the Australian jungle. But for those who’ve followed her career, her bold personality isn’t a surprise – it’s a hallmark. She’s faced down some of the world’s most powerful and enigmatic figures, and the stories behind those meetings are legendary.
Perhaps the most talked-about is her 2000 interview with Donald Trump, long before his political ambitions took center stage. Wax approached the interview with characteristic enthusiasm, immediately exploring his private jet with unrestrained curiosity – marveling at gold-plated bathroom fixtures and even testing the bounce of his bed. The initial warmth quickly evaporated when Trump himself arrived.
The atmosphere chilled instantly. Trump made it clear he wouldn’t play along with a comedic routine, launching directly into a discussion of American politics and his potential for leadership. He asserted he wouldn’t run for office unless he was certain he could “do a really good job.” Then, things took a bizarre turn; the camera began to shake, prompting Trump to abruptly halt the conversation.
Wax, never one to back down, directly questioned his behavior: “You wouldn’t talk to me if the camera wasn’t here?” His response was a calculated mix of dismissal and unwanted attention, calling her “very attractive” despite her protestations. The tension escalated rapidly as Trump announced he was ending the interview, citing a sudden headache and a need to leave.
“Do you hate me?” Wax boldly asked, facing his abrupt departure. Trump’s reply was a curt denial, followed by a firm declaration that “that’s enough.” Ultimately, Wax found herself unceremoniously ejected from Trump’s jet, the interview ending in a spectacular, uncomfortable fizzle.
Years later, Wax revealed the depth of Trump’s displeasure. She recounted how he “hated” her because she didn’t respond to his advances, and how he’d initially boasted about his presidential aspirations, leading her to dismiss him as a comedian. She also shared a surprising detail: a private moment in a car where Trump attempted to shock her with his views on women, only to be disarmed by her own candid response.
Her encounter with Madonna in 1994 proved equally challenging. While the pop icon agreed to an interview on her hotel bed, she immediately began directing the camera angles, creating a defensive and controlled environment. Wax described the experience as navigating a minefield of potential offense, constantly gauging Madonna’s reactions.
The interview felt like a constant negotiation. Wax attempted to balance humor with genuine inquiry, but Madonna remained guarded, offering snide responses and avoiding honest engagement. Wax confessed it was a “car crash,” admitting that Madonna seemed to find her amusingly goofy, but couldn’t fully connect on a serious level.
Wax had hoped for a genuine connection with the singer, but instead felt “hated on sight.” She found herself constantly trying to decipher Madonna’s moods and avoid triggering a negative reaction. It was a stark contrast to the raw, unfiltered energy Wax typically brought to her interviews.
Beyond these memorable encounters, Ruby Wax has built a remarkable career as a comedian, writer, and performer, spanning over two decades. She’s also become a powerful advocate for mental health awareness, earning an OBE for her dedicated service in 2015 and openly sharing her own personal struggles.
Now, in the heart of the jungle, Wax is forging new connections with her campmates. Hopefully, these fireside chats will prove more harmonious than her past encounters with global icons, offering a glimpse into the warmth and wisdom that define her enduring appeal.