Gustie Cashman

Written by Gustie Cashman

Modified & Updated: 07 Mar 2025

50-facts-about-marla-maples
Source: Trinityys.org

Who is Marla Maples? Marla Maples is a name many recognize, but few know deeply. Born on October 27, 1963, in Cohutta, Georgia, she grew up in a strict Baptist household. Athletic and popular in high school, she was crowned homecoming queen. Maples moved to New York City in 1985 to chase her acting dreams. Her life took a dramatic turn when she met Donald Trump at a tennis match. Their affair, marriage, and eventual divorce kept tabloids buzzing. Beyond the headlines, Maples built a diverse career in acting, Broadway, and even released a meditative-themed album. Today, she focuses on spirituality, yoga, and philanthropy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Marla Maples, a small-town girl from Georgia, became a versatile actress and Broadway performer, while also embracing spirituality and philanthropy in her later years.
  • Despite a high-profile marriage to Donald Trump, Marla Maples has found personal growth through meditation, yoga, and philanthropy, showcasing her transformation from tabloid figure to multifaceted individual.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Marla Maples' journey began in a small town in Georgia, where she grew up in a strict Baptist household. Her early years were marked by athleticism and popularity, setting the stage for her future endeavors.

  1. 01Marla Maples was born on October 27, 1963, in Cohutta, Georgia, as an only child in a strict Baptist household.
  2. 02In high school, Maples was athletic and popular, playing on the basketball team and crowned homecoming queen during her senior year.
  3. 03After high school, Maples entered various beauty pageants and became the first-runner up in the 1984 Miss Georgia USA contest.

Move to New York and Acting Career

In 1985, Maples moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. Her career in the entertainment industry saw her take on various roles in television and film.

  1. 04In 1985, Maples moved to New York City to pursue an acting career.
  2. 05Maples met Donald Trump at a tennis match in 1985, when she was 21 years old.
  3. 06During her marriage to Trump, Maples continued her acting career, appearing in various TV shows and films, including "Designing Women," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," and "Executive Decision."
  4. 07Maples had minor roles in several television shows such as "Designing Women," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Spin City," and "The Nanny."
  5. 08On the big screen, Maples was cast in films like "Executive Decision" (1996), "Happiness" (1998), and "Black and White" (1999).

High-Profile Relationship with Donald Trump

Maples' relationship with Donald Trump was one of the most talked-about topics in the late '80s and '90s. Their affair, marriage, and eventual divorce were highly publicized.

  1. 09Maples and Trump had a secret relationship while he was still married to Ivana Trump. This affair became highly publicized and led to a significant tabloid scandal.
  2. 10The affair began in the late 1980s and continued until Trump's divorce from Ivana in 1992.
  3. 11Maples and Trump married in December 1993, shortly after the birth of their daughter Tiffany Trump.
  4. 12The couple divorced in 1999, after six years of marriage.

Broadway and Television Hosting

Maples expanded her career to include Broadway performances and television hosting, showcasing her versatility and talent.

  1. 13In 1992, Maples took to the stage, playing "Ziegfeld's Favorite" in the Broadway musical "The Will Rogers Follies."
  2. 14Years later, she took a role in the off-Broadway production "Love, Loss and What I Wore" in 2011.
  3. 15In 2016, Maples was a contestant on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," ultimately landing in 10th place with her dancing partner Tony Dovolani.
  4. 16The same year, she served as a guest host on "The View."

Personal Growth and Spiritual Journey

Maples has embraced a spiritual lifestyle, focusing on meditation, yoga, and philanthropy. Her journey reflects a significant transformation from her earlier years.

  1. 17Recently, Maples hosted her own mystical radio show on Contact Radio, whose guests included astrologers and alternative healers.
  2. 18In 2013, she released a meditative-themed musical album called "The Endless," which featured the Dalai Lama and Deepak Chopra.
  3. 19Now in her 50s, Maples spends her time meditating, practicing yoga, and living an organic lifestyle.
  4. 20She also travels to third world countries and volunteers her time to charities.

Financial and Public Persona

Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Maples has maintained a steady financial status and a public persona that continues to intrigue many.

  1. 21Maples has an estimated net worth of $6 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
  2. 22Her presence on TV added to her public persona, making her a familiar face in American households.
  3. 23Beyond her acting career, Maples is involved in various philanthropic activities, reflecting her commitment to helping others.
  4. 24Despite their divorce, Maples remains close to the Trump family, often visiting Mar-a-Lago with her daughter Tiffany.
  5. 25In recent years, Maples has expressed support for Donald Trump’s political endeavors, stating she would vote for him if he runs for president again.

Media Coverage and Personal Reflections

Maples' life has been a subject of media coverage for decades. She has shared her experiences and reflections through various interviews and public statements.

  1. 26She has given several interviews and made public statements about her relationship with Trump and her personal journey, often reflecting on the lessons learned from their time together.
  2. 27Maples continues to make headlines due to her high-profile marriage and subsequent divorce from Donald Trump, as well as her current activities and public statements.
  3. 28Over the years, Maples has emphasized personal growth, spirituality, and philanthropy as key aspects of her life, moving away from the tabloid frenzy of her earlier years.

Acting Versatility and Career Highlights

Maples' acting career spans various genres and platforms, showcasing her versatility and talent in both television and film.

  1. 29Her roles in various TV shows and films have showcased her versatility as an actress, capable of handling diverse characters and genres.
  2. 30Her experience hosting various TV shows has demonstrated her charisma and professionalism in front of an audience.
  3. 31Her performance in "The Will Rogers Follies" earned her praise for her ability to captivate live audiences.
  4. 32Her involvement in dramas like "Happiness" and "Black and White" highlights her ability to tackle complex roles in film.
  5. 33Her appearance in action flicks such as "Executive Decision" showcases her ability to handle dynamic and action-packed scenes.
  6. 34Her role in comedies like "For Richer Or Poorer" with Tim Allen demonstrates her comedic skills and ability to engage audiences in lighter roles.
  7. 35Her work in TV movies such as "The Christmas List" and "Two of Hearts" further solidifies her presence in television.
  8. 36Most recently, Maples acted on the Disney show "Liv and Maddie" from 2013 to 2017, continuing her steady work in television.

Family Life and Relationship Dynamics

Maples' family life, particularly her relationship with Donald Trump and their daughter Tiffany, has been a focal point of public interest.

  1. 37Maples has one child, Tiffany Trump, born in 1993, during her marriage to Donald Trump.
  2. 38The dynamics of her marriage to Donald Trump were highly publicized, with both sides sharing their experiences through various media outlets.
  3. 39Ivana Trump, Donald’s first wife, wrote about the encounter with Maples in her memoir "Raising Trump," describing it as a moment that signaled the end of their marriage.
  4. 40Maples has given different accounts of the meeting, stating she was flown out to Aspen by Trump and that during a lunch meeting, the married couple’s attention turned to her.
  5. 41People reportedly overheard shouts during this encounter, with Ivana Trump saying "I have a happy marriage. I’m very happy. Stay away from him Stay away from us!"
  6. 42The affair between Maples and Trump generated endless tabloid gossip, with headlines like "Marla boasts to her pals about Donald: ‘BEST SEX I’VE EVER HAD’.”
  7. 43Maples has reflected on the relationship, stating she wishes they could have had it after the divorce papers were signed but it didn’t happen that way.

Current Activities and Philosophical Outlook

Maples' current activities reflect her deep commitment to spirituality, personal growth, and philanthropy. Her philosophical outlook on life emphasizes these aspects.

  1. 44Beyond her acting career, Maples is involved in various spiritual and philanthropic activities, reflecting her personal growth and commitment to helping others.
  2. 45She spends her time meditating, practicing yoga, and living an organic lifestyle, which has become a significant part of her daily routine.
  3. 46Maples travels to third world countries and volunteers her time to charities, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact globally.
  4. 47Her mystical radio show features guests like astrologers and alternative healers, showcasing her interest in spiritual and holistic practices.
  5. 48The meditative-themed musical album "The Endless" features the Dalai Lama and Deepak Chopra, highlighting her connection to spiritual leaders and practices.
  6. 49Maples’ current outlook on life emphasizes personal growth, spirituality, and philanthropy, reflecting a significant transformation from her earlier years as a tabloid figure.
  7. 50Her journey from a small-town girl to a multifaceted individual involved in acting, spirituality, and philanthropy makes Marla Maples a compelling figure in contemporary culture.

Marla Maples: A Life of Transformation

Marla Maples has lived a life full of twists and turns. From her early days in Georgia to her high-profile marriage to Donald Trump, she has always been in the spotlight. Her acting career includes roles in TV shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and films like "Executive Decision." Beyond acting, she has embraced a spiritual lifestyle, practicing yoga and meditation. Maples also dedicates time to charity, traveling to third-world countries to volunteer. Her meditative album "The Endless" features notable figures like the Dalai Lama and Deepak Chopra. Despite the tabloid frenzy of her past, Maples focuses on personal growth and philanthropy. With an estimated net worth of $6 million, she continues to make headlines, not just for her past but for her ongoing contributions to society. Marla Maples remains a compelling figure, blending fame with a commitment to bettering herself and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Marla Maples?
Marla Maples is a well-known actress and TV personality, famously recognized for her marriage to Donald Trump in the 1990s. Beyond her association with Trump, she's carved out her own space in the entertainment industry, appearing in films and on television shows.
How did Marla Maples become famous?
Her rise to fame was significantly boosted by her relationship with Donald Trump, which was highly publicized in the late '80s and early '90s. However, Maples also pursued an acting career, landing roles in movies and TV, which helped establish her own identity in the public eye.
What are some notable projects Marla Maples has worked on?
Over the years, Maples has appeared in various film and television projects. Noteworthy appearances include her roles in "Executive Decision" and "Spin City." She's also been a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars," showcasing her versatility and talent beyond acting.
Was Marla Maples married to Donald Trump?
Yes, Marla Maples was married to Donald Trump. Their marriage lasted from 1993 until their divorce in 1999. Their relationship and subsequent marriage were a hot topic in the media during their time together.
Do Marla Maples and Donald Trump have any children together?
Indeed, they share a daughter named Tiffany Trump. Born in 1993, Tiffany has grown up to pursue her own career, stepping into the public eye during her father's political campaigns.
What has Marla Maples said about her marriage to Donald Trump?
Maples has been relatively open about her marriage to Trump, reflecting on both the challenges and the growth she experienced during their time together. She's shared insights in various interviews, highlighting how the experience shaped her life.
How is Marla Maples involved in philanthropy?
Beyond her work in entertainment, Maples is actively involved in charitable efforts. She supports various causes, focusing on health and wellness, and often participates in events that aim to raise awareness and funds for those in need.
What's Marla Maples doing now?
These days, Maples continues her work in the entertainment industry while also focusing on her philanthropic endeavors. She's also very active on social media, sharing her journey and the causes close to her heart with her followers.

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