Bronson Pinchot’s Reflections on Acting, “The Residence,” and the Power of Presence

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned actor, recounts a pivotal moment in his career where a seemingly insignificant pause in a play dramatically altered its reception. The experience, he says, taught him a valuable lesson about the nuances of performance.

Pinchot shared an anecdote about a post-performance encounter with audience members. They directly criticized his use of silence in the play, a moment he hadn’t intended to create such a strong reaction. This unexpected feedback led to a humorous exchange, highlighting the unpredictable nature of audience response.

With extensive experience in theater, film, and voice acting (over 400 audiobooks!), Pinchot offers insightful perspectives on acting. He draws a distinction between “acting” and “being,” but artfully avoids revealing any specific techniques. He playfully deflects questions about his internal monologues, adding to the intrigue.

In Netflix’s “The Residence,” Pinchot plays Didier Gotthard, the White House pastry chef. This role presents a departure from his famously demonstrative character, Balki Bartokomous, in “Perfect Strangers.” Gotthard is more reserved, possessing a hidden secret that adds suspense to the narrative.

In an interview, Pinchot described his initial reaction to the script of “The Residence.” He noted the script’s economy of language, which left as much unsaid as it said. He compared it to finding the ideal stage, one ready to be danced upon.

Pinchot discussed how the understated nature of his character in “The Residence” provided a welcome change. This is particularly interesting, he notes, given his tendency toward demonstrative roles. He reflects on the different approaches needed for stage and screen acting.

He recounted a particularly memorable theatrical experience. During a performance of a musical, a malfunctioning prop forced an improvisational moment. His unexpected reaction from the audience showed him that authentic emotion resonates more strongly than excessive gestures.

Pinchot shared that he deliberately chose to underplay his character in “The Residence,” employing a technique of internal restraint, as though locking a mental iron door. This approach, he notes, went unnoticed by the directors, suggesting its effectiveness.

He emphasizes the importance of great scene partners, suggesting that with exceptional collaborators, actors can focus on “being” rather than overly concentrating on “acting.” He highlights his appreciation for actors who prioritize authenticity over elaborate technique.

A particularly memorable moment on set involved filming a scene with either Andre Braugher or Giancarlo Esposito. He shared the spontaneity and deep connection they experienced while shooting. The shared history and age of Pinchot and Esposito allowed for a unique emotional depth in the scene.

Pinchot also revealed that multiple versions of scenes were shot, reflecting different perspectives and interpretations of events. This approach added layers of complexity to the narrative and created a rich tapestry of storytelling.

He discussed his love for whodunits. He shares his skill in deciphering clues and predicting the outcome even with minimal information. He noted that in “The Residence,” every character engages in some wrongdoing, adding another level of complexity.

Finally, Pinchot shares his current source of joy: renovating houses and creating peaceful gardens. He views this as an extension of his acting skills, the ability to create an oasis of calm amid chaos. He compares his ability to construct a peaceful environment to his talent for concentration during performances.