Bronson Pinchot Discusses Acting, “The Residence,” and the Art of Being

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned actor, recounted a pivotal moment where a director asked him to add a pause before a monologue. He complied, despite his reservations, and the result was a disastrous performance. Later, a theatergoer’s reaction solidified his understanding of the misstep.

Years of experience on stage, screen, and in voice acting have given Pinchot a pragmatic approach to his craft. He readily discusses the nuances of acting versus simply “being,” although he playfully refuses to divulge his personal acting methods.

In Netflix’s “The Residence,” Pinchot portrays Didier Gotthard, a reserved White House pastry chef with a hidden secret. This role represents a departure from his iconic, highly expressive character Balki Bartokomous in “Perfect Strangers.”

In an interview, Pinchot shared his initial reaction to “The Residence” script. He immediately recognized its subtle writing style, noting that it conveyed as much through what was unsaid as what was explicitly stated. He likened the experience to a dancer finding the perfect dance floor.

Pinchot described his excitement at portraying an unemotional character, contrasting it with his usual highly expressive roles and personality. He shared an anecdote about a theatrical performance where a malfunctioning prop unexpectedly enhanced his portrayal.

He discussed a deliberate choice to minimize his performance in “The Residence,” creating an internal barrier to protect his character. He contrasted this with his past experience, where his highly demonstrative character in “Perfect Strangers” led to constant engagement from the public.

Pinchot praised his incredible scene partners and explained his approach to coaching actors, emphasizing the importance of “being” over “acting,” especially when working with talented colleagues.

A particularly memorable scene for Pinchot involved a gingerbread house prop and his interaction with co-stars Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito. The shared history between Pinchot and Esposito added an extra layer of authenticity to their performance.

Pinchot described the multi-layered approach to filming, with various versions of scenes capturing different perspectives and interpretations. He also touched upon his innate ability to identify the culprit in whodunit stories.

When asked about current sources of joy, Pinchot discussed his recent home renovation project. This personal accomplishment provides a creative outlet, allowing him to create an oasis amidst chaos—a skill he honed throughout his acting career.