Bronson Pinchot Discusses Acting, ‘The Residence,’ and Personal Fulfillment

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned actor, recounts a pivotal moment in a theatrical production where an unexpected pause significantly impacted the performance. The negative audience reaction prompted unexpected street-level feedback, a testament to his commitment to his craft.

Years of experience on stage, in front of cameras, and in the recording studio have given Pinchot a pragmatic view of acting. He expertly distinguishes between the art of acting and simply “being,” although he playfully protects his professional secrets.

In Netflix’s “The Residence,” Pinchot plays Didier Gotthard, the White House’s pastry chef. This role is notably different from his well-known character, Balki Bartokomous, from the television series “Perfect Strangers.” Gotthard is a more reserved character with a hidden secret, adding an intriguing layer to the show’s mystery plot.

In an interview, Pinchot discussed the nuances of the script. He explains his appreciation for the script’s subtle style, enabling him to utilize the skill of acting without being overly demonstrative.

He delves into the complexities of portraying unemotional characters, contrasting this with his penchant for more expressive roles and his inherently expressive nature. Pinchot emphasizes his approach to acting, which contrasts greatly with his on-screen persona.

Pinchot recalls a particular theatrical experience in a musical where a malfunctioning prop unexpectedly enhanced the scene’s emotional impact. This underscores his belief in the power of genuine emotion and presence over exaggerated performance techniques.

He contrasts stage acting with film, highlighting the camera’s ability to capture subtle emotions, requiring a more understated approach in film. This insightful contrast points out the fundamental differences in mediums.

Pinchot discusses his intentional restraint in “The Residence,” creating a character with a guarded demeanor. This was well-received by the production team, demonstrating a successful balance between character and performance.

He emphasizes the importance of strong scene partners, describing his collaborative work with the cast as a key to his performance. He credits the cast and script as reasons why he simply “showed up” rather than heavily acting.

A particularly memorable moment on set was the scene involving a gingerbread White House replica. A shared personal connection with his co-star, Giancarlo Esposito, enriched their scene to create an authentic and moving scene.

Pinchot discusses the multi-layered storytelling of “The Residence,” revealing multiple perspectives on events within the story itself. The multiple perspectives made for an intricate and engaging storyline.

He showcases his sharp observational skills in mystery stories, highlighting his aptitude for quickly identifying the culprit based on minimal clues. This reveals a personal connection to the genre.

Finally, Pinchot shares his current source of joy, which is landscaping and renovating his own homes in Pennsylvania. He describes this personal endeavor as a fulfilling contrast to his acting career, creating a personal oasis.