Bronson Pinchot Discusses Acting, “The Residence,” and Personal Fulfillment

Bronson Pinchot, a seasoned actor, recounts a pivotal moment where a seemingly insignificant pause in a play dramatically impacted its reception. His experience led to a humorous encounter with audience members who voiced their displeasure. This anecdote highlights his pragmatic approach to his craft.

Pinchot’s extensive experience spans stage, screen, and voice acting (over 400 audiobooks). He expertly differentiates between genuine performance and mere acting, though he playfully guards his precise methods.

In Netflix’s “The Residence,” Pinchot portrays Didier Gotthard, a reserved pastry chef with a hidden secret. This role offers a contrast to his well-known, highly expressive character, Balki Bartokomous, from “Perfect Strangers.”

During an interview, Pinchot discussed his initial reaction to the script, describing its economical yet layered writing. He appreciated the opportunity to portray a less demonstrative character, noting the significant difference in approach between stage and film acting.

Pinchot also shared a memorable theatrical experience where a malfunctioning prop unexpectedly enhanced the scene’s impact, driving home the point that genuine emotional engagement outweighs overly demonstrative performances. He contrasted this with the more subtle requirements of film acting, where camera work captures subtler nuances.

Discussing his role in “The Residence,” Pinchot emphasizes his deliberate choice to restrain his performance, creating a character with an impenetrable demeanor. He notes that his approach resonated well with the production team.

Pinchot highlighted the value of excellent scene partners. He shares his coaching philosophy, emphasizing “being” over “acting,” especially when collaborating with talented colleagues. The film’s ensemble cast enabled him to prioritize authenticity over technical performance.

A particularly memorable moment on set involved a scene with both Andre Braugher and Giancarlo Esposito. Their shared history in the industry added a profound layer to their interaction. He describes this scene as exceptionally “full” and meaningful, reflecting the collaborative energy of the project.

The show’s intriguing narrative structure, featuring multiple perspectives on events and varying degrees of character culpability, fascinated Pinchot. The show’s creators ensured multiple versions of every scene were shot, adding layers of complexity and ambiguity to the mystery.

Currently, Pinchot finds joy in personal projects outside of acting. He details the satisfaction of renovating homes and creating a personal oasis, a skill honed through years of crafting performances amidst chaotic environments.

[[img alt=”Giancarlo and Bronson Pinchot in ‘The Residence'” src=”/_next/image”]]

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