Bronson Pinchot Discusses Acting, “The Residence,” and Personal Fulfillment

Bronson Pinchot recounts a pivotal moment in his acting career: a disastrous pause during a play. The negative audience reaction led to an unexpected encounter that highlighted the impact of even seemingly small choices. Years of stage, screen, and voice acting experience has provided Pinchot with a nuanced perspective on his craft.

Pinchot’s role in Netflix’s “The Residence” as Didier Gotthard, the White House pastry chef, stands in contrast to his well-known role as Balki Bartokomous. Gotthard is a more reserved character, offering an opportunity for Pinchot to explore subtler acting techniques. The show’s layered script, which leaves much unsaid, provided an engaging challenge for the actor.

Pinchot describes the script as a compelling actor’s challenge, owing to its economical yet evocative writing style. He appreciated the opportunity to portray a less demonstrative character, a welcome change from his tendency to be more expressive both on and off stage. The script encouraged a focus on “being” rather than simply “acting.”

He shared a particularly memorable anecdote from a past musical where the failure of a stage prop led to an unexpectedly powerful moment through his genuine emotional response. This experience underscored the importance of authentic emotion, contrasting the demands of stage and screen acting.

During the filming of “The Residence,” Pinchot consciously chose to restrain his performance, creating a sense of emotional reserve in his portrayal of Gotthard. This choice was met with approval from the film crew, reflecting the effectiveness of his understated approach. He reflected on the contrast with his previous role as Balki, a character that elicited constant enthusiastic public interaction.

Pinchot emphasized the importance of strong scene partners, suggesting that with skilled collaborators, the focus shifts from “acting” to simply “being.” He shared his coaching philosophy, advising actors to prioritize authenticity over elaborate technique.

A particularly memorable moment on set involved filming a scene with both Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito. This scene allowed for a connection based on their shared history in the industry, resulting in a powerful and authentic performance.

Regarding the mystery element of “The Residence,” Pinchot explained the multifaceted approach to filming, with multiple versions shot to capture the different perspectives of the events. He acknowledged his own skill in solving whodunits, often identifying the culprit from subtle clues.

Finally, Pinchot discussed his personal source of joy: creating an oasis in one of his Pennsylvania homes. This project, he explains, is analogous to the focused concentration required in acting.