Bronson Pinchot Discusses Acting, “The Residence,” and Finding Joy

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned actor, recounted a pivotal moment in his career. His director requested a pause before a crucial monologue; a decision Pinchot instantly regretted. The disastrous result led to an unexpected encounter outside the theater. A couple critiqued his performance, highlighting the detrimental effect of the lengthy pause. Pinchot’s candid response resulted in shared laughter.

With extensive experience on stage, screen, and in voice acting (over 400 audiobooks), Pinchot possesses a practical understanding of his craft. He skillfully distinguishes between acting and genuine presence, while remaining tight-lipped about specific techniques.

In Netflix’s “The Residence,” Pinchot portrays Didier Gotthard, a reserved White House pastry chef harboring a secret. This role differs significantly from his well-known portrayal of Balki Bartokomous in “Perfect Strangers.”

In an interview, Pinchot shared his initial reaction to the script of “The Residence.” He noted the script’s subtlety, leaving much unsaid; a feature he found highly engaging for an actor.

His character’s unemotional nature appealed to Pinchot; a welcome contrast to his typically demonstrative roles and personal tendencies.

Pinchot discussed a memorable theatrical experience requiring him to convincingly portray being bound to a rack, a scene made even more effective by the malfunctioning prop.

He contrasted the requirements of stage acting with film work, emphasizing the need for restraint on screen, allowing the camera to capture authenticity.

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Pinchot explained his approach to portraying Didier, depicting the character as emotionally guarded.

He praised his scene partners, noting that their talent allowed him to focus on “being” rather than “acting.”

A particular scene involving a gingerbread replica of the White House, filmed with both Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito, stood out for Pinchot. A shared reflection on their long careers added depth to the moment.

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Pinchot discussed the intricate plotting of “The Residence,” mentioning the multiple versions filmed for each scene, contributing to the show’s ambiguity.

He expressed his enjoyment of whodunits, showcasing his ability to quickly identify the culprit even with minimal clues.

Finally, Pinchot revealed his current source of contentment: creating a personal oasis by renovating and landscaping his property; a skill honed from years of creating his own space amidst the chaos of filmmaking.