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

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned actor, recounts a pivotal moment in his career where a seemingly minor directorial suggestion – a pause before a monologue – resulted in a disastrous performance. The actor’s immediate regret was quickly solidified upon encountering audience members outside the theater who expressed their disappointment.

Years of experience on stage, screen, and in voice acting have imbued Pinchot with a pragmatic perspective on his craft. He readily discusses the distinctions between acting and simply “being,” although he cleverly avoids revealing 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, energetic character, Balki Bartokomous, from “Perfect Strangers.”

In an interview, Pinchot shared his initial reaction to “The Residence’s” script. He immediately recognized the script’s power in its subtlety and economy of language, which he found inspiring and engaging for an actor.

Pinchot further elaborated on how this stylistic approach applied to his character. He appreciated the opportunity to play a less demonstrative role, contrasting with his usual, more expressive parts and his own personality.

He recounted a theatrical experience where a malfunctioning stage prop unexpectedly led to a powerful audience response, solidifying his understanding of the importance of authenticity over exaggerated performance.

Pinchot discussed a conscious decision to underplay his character in “The Residence.” He drew a comparison between his character’s emotional reserve and a shopkeeper securing their store, creating a metaphorical barrier.

He praised his exceptional co-stars, emphasizing that with talented scene partners, preparation and presence are often sufficient, avoiding overacting. He advocates against overacting, especially on film, believing the camera captures genuine emotion more effectively.

A memorable moment during filming involved a scene with both Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito, highlighting the different dynamics each actor brought. A spontaneous sharing of old photographs further deepened the scene’s emotional resonance.

Pinchot described the show’s multifaceted narrative structure, where multiple perspectives and interpretations of events were explored. He enjoyed the ambiguity and the opportunity to contribute to different versions of the same scene.

He also shared his skill in solving whodunits, often identifying the culprit early on based on subtle clues, and described his appreciation of the show’s exploration of multiple character’s misdeeds.

Pinchot concluded by discussing a source of current joy: the creation of a personal room and garden. He viewed this project as akin to a chef retiring to cook for personal pleasure, highlighting the parallel between artistic creation and the craftsmanship involved in renovating and landscaping.