Bronson Pinchot Reflects on Acting, “The Residence,” and Personal Fulfillment

Bronson Pinchot recounts a pivotal moment in his career: a disastrous pause during a play. He shares this anecdote, highlighting the unexpected encounter with audience members who voiced their displeasure, which ended in laughter.

Pinchot, with extensive experience in acting, narrating audiobooks, and stage performances, offers insights into his craft, carefully avoiding revealing trade secrets. He discusses the differences between acting and genuine presence, emphasizing the importance of “being” over simply “acting.”

In Netflix’s “The Residence,” Pinchot portrays Didier Gotthard, the White House pastry chef. This character offers a stark contrast to his widely recognized role as Balki Bartokomous on “Perfect Strangers,” providing a unique opportunity to explore the nuances of a complex character with a hidden secret.

In an interview, Pinchot discusses the script’s subtleties, which he describes as leaving much unsaid, creating a rich environment for acting. He emphasizes the importance of economical writing, comparing it to a dancer appreciating a perfect dance floor.

He further explains how his character’s unemotional nature challenged him, differing from his usual demonstrative roles and personality. Pinchot touches upon the contrast between stage and film acting, where subtlety is key for the camera to capture the actor’s essence.

Discussing a specific moment of intentional restraint in “The Residence,” Pinchot uses the analogy of a locked iron door to describe his character’s emotional guardedness. He reflects on the difference between the demonstrative Balki, whose popularity often led to unwanted interactions, and the more reserved Didier.

Pinchot praises his scene partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, stating that with great colleagues, one just needs to “show up.” He speaks candidly about his preference for “being” over “acting,” highlighting the ideal working environment where he could focus solely on embodying his character.

He recalls a particularly memorable scene involving a gingerbread house and discusses how collaborating with Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito led to distinct interpretations. The shared history of the actors created an authentic connection.

Pinchot discusses the filming process of multiple versions of scenes, including different perspectives and interpretations of events. He expresses his appreciation for the script’s clever design, where each character harbors some degree of guilt. He also reveals his aptitude for solving whodunits.

Finally, Pinchot shares what brings him joy beyond acting: his personal landscaping projects. He describes the restorative process of transforming houses and creating oases, connecting this skill to his ability to create personal space amidst the chaos of acting.