Bronson Pinchot: Tom Cruise was a homophobe, Denzel was a douche

Third Annual "Broadway Under The Stars" At Bryant Park
I am from a generation that knows Bronson Pinchot as two characters: the hilarious art gallery manager in Beverly Hills Cop and Balki, the happy-go-lucky comic relief on the hit 1980s show Perfect Strangers. As it turns out, Bronson has had a pretty steady career as an in-demand character actor for 25 years, working with such superstars as Tom Cruise (Ricky Business), Denzel Washington (Courage Under Fire), and Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop). The last decade, Bronson has worked mainly in television, and I remember he’s sketchy role as some sleezeball on Law & Order: Criminal Intent a few years ago.

Character actors don’t get enough love, so The Onion’s AV Club decided to do a lengthy interview with Bronson. They got him to dish the dirt on some of his former costars, and he’s got a lot to say:

BP on Risky Business and Tom Cruise:
We didn’t know it was going to be a big hit. We thought Tom [Cruise] was the biggest bore on the face of the Earth. He had spent some formative time with Sean Penn—we were all very young at the time, Tom was 20, I was 23. Tom had picked up this knack of calling everyone by their character names, because that would probably make your performance better, and I don’t agree with that. I think that acting is acting, and the rest of the time, you should be you, but he called us all by our character names. He was tense and made constant, constant unrelated homophobic comments, like, “You want some ice cream, in case there are no gay people there?” I mean, his lingo was larded with the most… There was no basis for it. It was like, “It’s a nice day, I’m glad there are no gay people standing here.” Very, very strange.

Years and years later when people started to torment him with that, I used to think “God, that’s really fitting, because he tormented a lot of people as a 20-year-old.” He made such a big deal about it. Same thing with Eddie Murphy—I remember somebody calling and saying, “You’ll never guess who was just caught with a transvestite!” [Laughs.] And I remember thinking that seemed fitting, because there are certain people in showbiz who make it an agenda, every third sentence has to have something knocking that life choice, and you think, “What are you doing?” Like, these women came up to me in a restaurant—I was wearing a bright red shirt, and I was with some friends, and they said, “Would you like to join our club? We wear red.” What kind of choice is that? If you spent many years in the theater, and then you show up in movies, and people have on their to-do list for the day that they’re going to make a comment every third sentence, it strikes you as very strange. I just thought it was very funny that years later, that became his bugaboo. Which is a nice 1930s term I thought you’d enjoy.

I thought the movie would disappear. It just goes to show you, I obviously don’t have the antennae for that. I didn’t see it at all, but neither did any of the actors. All of the actors who talked about him were like, “What is this guy all about?” And you know, honestly, I never got it, and I don’t get it to this day. But it was his breakout film. He always talked about himself like he was a mega-superstar; that was weird, too.

BP on Denzel Washington and his “burning ambition”:
It’s just a different kind of animal, like a racing greyhound versus a mutt that sits in your lap. I guess I’m a mutt that sits in your lap. I don’t know what that is, but I’ve seen it many times. I think Denzel Washington has it—he’s one of the most unpleasant human beings I’ve ever met in my life, but he’s this mega-superstar.

BP on Tom Hanks:
He is a wonderful and genuine and lovely and down-to-earth person. I don’t know how he does that. I first met him when he was doing his spate of not-successful movies. There was a period in the ’80s when he did The Man With One Red Shoe and Joe Versus The Volcano and all those movies that weren’t doing well, and that’s when I first met him, and I would run into him on and off over the years. Then two years ago, I did a play with his wife, and there he was at his absolute height. He’s always been a delightful person, so it’s not really true that big stars need to be driven and repulsive, because he’s anything but.

BP on working with Denzel Washington in Courage Under Fire:
That was a low point, because Denzel Washington was behind the incredibly cowardly bullshit of “This is my character, not me.” He was really abusive to me and everybody on that movie, and his official explanation was that his character didn’t like me, but it was a dreadful experience. I spent my salary on time with my shrink just for helping me get through it, and what that led to was the very next big movie that I did. I should have said to the producers, “You get that guy in line, or I’m out of here.” Life’s too short.

[From The AV Club]

I’ll totally believe all of the Tom Cruise stuff. I love how Bronson makes it seem like no one liked Tom and they all thought he was a total dork. But isn’t it disappointing to hear that about Denzel Washington? I don’t want to believe that he’s a bastard. Anyway, the whole interview is an interesting read. Bronson is, after all, a Yale graduate who either f-cked or gotten high with everybody. Or both. So he’s got a lot of dirt to dish on. He should write a book.

MTV Networks Upfront - Backstage

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

61 Responses to “Bronson Pinchot: Tom Cruise was a homophobe, Denzel was a douche”

Comments are Closed

We close comments on older posts to fight comment spam.

  1. photo jojo says:

    He looks wonderful. If he’s had work done, it was really good work. I always liked him.

  2. Ann says:

    Everything he said about Cruise and Washington isn’t new. Cruise is a homophobic closet case and Washington also has a bad reputation. He is cheating on his wife all the time but people look away because of all the prizes he has won. He’s no better than Sean Penn but he hides it better.

  3. Clink says:

    Why is it disappointing that one more person confirmed Denzel is a jerk? People have been saying it for years. And everyone knows he cheats on his wife.

  4. Rosalee says:

    I read the interview and found him refreshing and pleased that he is a totally different character than the one he displayed on that reality program, “Surreal Life”. I wish all actors would be as straight forward and honest. I enjoyed reading confirmation that Tom Hanks is on and off screen a great guy and yes I was surprised that Denzel Washington is a a**h**e and that Bette Midler was nasty to the director in the First Wives Club.

  5. sarah says:

    I think all of these claims are true. The Tom Cruise stuff gave me my first laugh of the day.

  6. j says:

    Tom Cruise was pathetic even before Scientology.

  7. Lem says:

    i can’t wait to come back and read the article.

    He really looks like Naoh Wylie. When did that happen?

  8. CandyKay says:

    It is a very good interview.

    Maybe it’s just me, but I was surprised to find out that Bronson Pinchot was straight.

  9. bros says:

    oh man that stuff about tom cruise made me laugh my ass off. “what a nice day, its so great there are no gay people around”

    hah!

  10. Cristina says:

    This guy just sounds bitter and small. Maybe he thinks Denzel is a douche because he’s a strong republican, and Hollywood is…not. Either way, this guy is a no-name prick

  11. Jazz says:

    I had no idea he was in so many movies, I only remembered him from Perfect Strangers and Beverly Hills Cop. He looks good. Hearing that Tom Hanks really is a nice guy makes me happy.

  12. AlaskaJoey says:

    Bronson Pinchot once told me I was fabulous. I have nothing but love for this man.

  13. Miley says:

    I was watching True Romance just a few days ago and wondering what the hell happened to him

  14. Bodhi says:

    Balki!! I was pretty young when Perfect Strangers was on, but I remember watching it & loving Balki!

  15. e says:

    Christina no name? Seriously? Ask your mommy before you log on next time. If you were a little older you would never call this guy no name. And let’s not get political; if you actually read the article it is obvious that his opinion of Denzel has nothing to do with his party preference.

    I thought he was straight forward but not overly ugly. He gives credit where credit is due and calls people out when they deserve it; he has been in the industry long enough to have the balls to do so.

    He also admits his own past mistakes instead of pretending that he is infallible.

    He looks great and is well spoken and I hope to see more of him.

  16. Firestarter says:

    I always felt that Denzel was closer to his character’s arrogance from Training Day, than to any of the nicer charcters he has played. IMO.

  17. Julie says:

    Always liked Bronson Pinchot. He also played the deliciously psycho Mr. Toomey in The Langoliers.

    “Get with the program, Craigy Waigy”

  18. NIKKI says:

    Isn’t the Onion about satire? So, how do we know what he says is true other than for laughs?

  19. Debbi says:

    @NIKKI The Onion is satire, but the AV club is written straight.

    And might I add that it’s very nice to read an interview with someone who can string two sentences together. Go Balki!

  20. Ana says:

    I thought he was Noah Wyle at first…

  21. gg says:

    I have new respect for him. I like people who call it like they see it from behind the scenes.

  22. Ursula says:

    He just sounds like a D-lister who knows too many A-listers. Like Rupert Everett. It gotta make you bitter working with all those people who then become very successful while no one even recognizes you in your home town. Of course you have to soften it by liking Tom Hanks or Johnny Depp who every one likes anyway.

  23. so let me get this straight, because a WASHED UP actor tells me that Tom Cruise Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington, and Tom Hanks are all terrible people… I am supposed to believe it!! not at all I have my own darn mind, and when i meet either of the four, ill be the judge and speculator, at that time!! im sorry he sounds sour, he was the minor cast member in all the rolls and every lead person was an douches, well the minor cast member has less tasks and less lines to rehearse, an obviously alot of time to walk around and critisize everyone else. maybe if he was to use some of his time studying his own lines and getting more into character we would have seen him in more films instead of reality tv.he too should have been more stern on the set and non chalant, and then maybe his career would have more merit then on a gossip site bashing A LIST ACTORS!!! PS I WAS A HUGE FAN OF PERFECT STRANGERS, NOW HES WASHED UP AND BITTER JUST LIKE THE REST OF THE HAS BEENS!!! BOOOOOO!!!

    • biffula says:

      Apparently Shay can’t read. It said Hanks is awesome. And just because he’s not an A-lister doesn’t mean what he says isn’t the truth. Pull your head out of your keister.

  24. Westender says:

    Would love to find out how Tom Cruise, Denzel and Bette reacted to that article. I don’t see Bronson working with those people again!!

  25. Tia C says:

    @ CandyKay: no, it’s not just you. I always assumed he was gay. Not that it matters, but I’m still not entirely convinced he’s not.

    Either way, I’ve always enjoyed him in everything he’s been in. I loved him in Risky Business, and as Balki and Serge. He just seems like a likeable, down to earth person. It is too bad to hear that about Denzel, but I don’t doubt it. I’ve heard/read the same things he says about Tom Cruise (negative) and Tom Hanks (positive) before, so I’m thinking he’s probably spot on about Denzel. I lost interest in Denzel’s movies years ago anyway, maybe there was a reason!

  26. maddie says:

    When he mention Tom Cruise in the article my mind went directly to American Beauty, and the ending.

    I don’t want to believe about Denzel, and yes I heard it before, on other boards.

  27. Fire says:

    @e hilarious! he’s not a no-name by any means. been in the business for over 25 years and has been in a lot of movies. LOVED him in True Romance – perfectly cast!

  28. YouthIsLostOnTheYoung says:

    Laughing so hard!!! Balki (Character name b/c my character hates him..LOLOL) dissing Bette, Denzel, and Cruise!! I think most of the people I work with are dipwads … so I always think interviews sound so boring. I love him/her. He/She is so nice, so funny, such a great person. Yea right! They spend several very intimate months with their co-stars and barely say an unkind word!! We don’t need to hear every rude thing a star does … but would totally love a little truth in what people say!!Bronson Pinchot (LOVE that NAME) you just won over a new fan!!

  29. Fire says:

    @CORPORATE CUTIE SHAY – nice spelling and grammar! PLEASE let us know when you meet those people and what you think of them, ok? We’ll be waiting to hear…

    Not everybody is like they are in films, or did you not know that? There have been articles/stories before about Tom, Denzel and Eddie being a-holes, so he’s not the first to talk about it. Oh, and btw, read the article completely before you start bashing. He said Tom Hanks was a delightful person, which I have heard before too. Are you going to tell me he is only saying that because he “didn’t have many lines to remember and had plenty of time to walk around and criticize everybody”??

  30. Nebraska says:

    I am sorry to hear that Denzel has exhibited some douche like behavior – he was so fine in Mississippi Masala (very nice rear view) sigh……..

  31. Firestarter says:

    @CORPORATE CUTIE SHAY- I missed where he said Hanks was a terrible person. In fact I do believe he said the opposite, but hey, maybe I can’t read.

  32. AbbeyRoad says:

    Corporate Cutie Shay — I want to preface this by saying that if that’s your reaction, I’m not at all saying that it’s invalid. I just did want to clarify that he had very kind things to say about Tom Hanks in the article.

    Moving on: I think it’s so interesting when anyone comes right out and smack-talks anyone else in the industry. And I actually really like this actor (I saw him in a play called “Stones in his Pockets” several years ago—he played about fifteen different characters, and he was amazing!) although I do wonder why he’s saying this now. I think in the recent examples of this kind of thing, like Katherine Heigl talking about the production staff on her show, or Megan Fox talking about Michael Bay, it’s because the person doing the talking somehow thinks it’s going to be a good PR move, or they’re convinced whining is cute when they do it. With this guy, I get the sense that he’s very comfortable with his steady career as character film actor, as well as a stage actor, that he had genuinely bad experiences with these people, and really doesn’t care if they read this, or what their reaction is. If it was me, I probably wouldn’t talk about Tom Cruise because apparently he’s a level seven thetan who could kill me with his brain. But fear of that clan probably keeps a lot of people quiet, so I think it’s refreshing and kind of hilarious for someone to come right out and basically say “Yeah. Total tool.”

  33. Jann says:

    I absolutely believe what he said with regards to Denzel…got my first glimpse of what an a**hole he can be from a red carpet interview he did around the whole Russel Crowe Oscar win for Gladiator. Granted, Denzel was brilliant in The Hurricane, but Crowe won the award.
    And Denzel was so NOT gracious about Crowe winning, almost to the point of saying that Crowe did not even warrant a nomination.
    So next year when he won for Training Day (Crowe lost for A Beautiful Mind–which he absolutely should have won for, IMO)…he appeared once again all arrogant saying that Hollywood finally got it right…blah blah blah.
    Used to like him, but I suffer through his acting now, because he’s given a glimpse of what an conceited pr*ck he can be.

  34. YouthIsLostOnTheYoung says:

    @Maddie…Why does the author mentioning Tom Cruise remind you of American Beauty … esp the end??? The incredible, unmistakable Kevin Spacey is in American Beauty. Maybe not as famous as Cruise, but IMO, a MUCH better actor!! Please spend the time necessary to watch Se7en, K-Pax, and The Usual Suspects and maybe a re-watch of American Beauty. Fantastic movies — one and all!!

  35. Firestarter says:

    @Jann- I vaguely remember that whole thing. He was very snide about Crowe, both times and has also been that way regarding many of Hollywoods elite actors. Like he surpasses all others, hands down.

  36. Lem says:

    thanks K for the lead.
    I read your piece, then went and read the whole interview. (Glad I did)now I’m off to find the old Rolling Stone interview.

    I find is so refreshing when anyone opens up and gives a real interview. Not canned ham. I also highly enjoy that the man is articulate. Not a single ‘like’, ‘um’ or ‘you know’

    *plus it’s kind of like um you know, a blind gossip search… who was the surfer dude in ‘step by step’?*

  37. lucy says:

    I read this interview the other day and enjoyed it. I normally want people to err on the side of professionalism and not bad mouth each other publicly, but I got a kick out of what he said regarding Tom Cruise. I bet Tom has been in denial about himself for a looooong time. Usually the guys who make comments like that are the ones hiding it anyway. Funny that he was so vocal about that back then, and it’s the most prominent rumor about him now. Surprised to hear that Denzel is a jerk, but have since seen that mentioned in other places too.
    Glad to know Tom Hanks is as nice as he seems.

  38. Fat Elvis says:

    #34: I think Maddie was referring to the subject matter, not comparing Cruise and Spacey as actors.

  39. nj says:

    My young son answered an open casting call and worked on a film with some well-known actors. No one huge, but you would recognize some names. Most of the cast were character actors who you would recognize from film and tv. Some of them were very experienced and had worked with literally everyone in the business. I became friendly with some of them and they were in total agreement that Denzel Washington was the nastiest and most arrogant actor they ever worked with. I couldn’t believe it, because I really liked Denzel- onscreen, of course. But these were nice people who had made a living as working actors and they had nothing to lose or gain from bashing anyone to me, (as I am not in the business) and they were adamant that he was a rotten person. The nicest actor to work with? Meryl Streep. Incidentally, almost all the actors were very nice and social; among the nicest was the biggest star! The snootiest was a minor character actor who had like one Law and Order credit. He thought he was a big shot and everyone kind of laughed behind his back. I relay this story because I believe it is the truth, and I have no reason to bash Denzel- I think he’s totally handsome and talented. However,I do believe that he is an asshole.

  40. @ fire i put up two comments responding obviously the “gossip blog” didnt see them fit

  41. Fire says:

    @ccs – sounds intriguing. aimed at just me or others who have commented on your comments too?

  42. maddie says:

    @YouthIsLostOnTheYoung
    ::Why does the author mentioning Tom Cruise remind you of American Beauty … esp the end???

    Because one of the characters was a big old homophobic who turned out to be gay.

  43. original kate says:

    no surprise tiny tom is a nutcase, but i am sad to hear denzel is a jerk. he’s still pretty, though….

  44. thedecemberist says:

    I hate to think Denzel is such a mean person on set… I met him when I was 10… he was picking up his son from a birthday party I was at and we talked for a while and he seemed very nice and friendly… but then again, why would he be mean to a non threatening 10 year old?

  45. tom says:

    Corporate Cutie Shay you are a perfect example of people who speak first and do not take the time to think that perhaps what they are hearing, may be true. The fact that you lumped Tom Hanks in with the rest without really reading the article is proof of that. And as far as being a washed up actor, the guy has worked steady for over twenty years so that is a success in Hollywood. Tom Cruise is cetainly GAY and unable to come to terms with that fact. Denzel Washington, who knew? Ton Hanks if obviously a very nice guy..that comes through and you cannot fake that.

  46. nj says:

    I think it is stupid and ignorant when people call actors “washed up” just because they do not make 20 million dollars a film. There are only a handful of stars who can do that and they are not necessarily the most talented actors. Many times they have been groomed for stardom and promoted heavily by studios. And you need a certain combination of looks, talent and LUCK. Bronson Pinchot is a perfect example. He is not the “star” that Tom Cruise or Denzel is, but he has worked steadily in the business for over 20 years, had a lead in a prime time network sitcom, has been in some huge movies, has name recognition and I’m sure royalties coming in forever. How many actors can say that? Thousands would love to! Most of us are not the president or CEO of the company we work for- that does not make us all failures. A character actor can make an excellent living and do what they love. I will bet Bronson Pinchot has a beautiful home, nice car and money in the bank. In my opinion, that is not “washed up”.

  47. wif says:

    nj, my brother and uncle work in “the biz” (they’re camera-men) and I have heard similar stories. They told me that Streep was shy-ish, that she spent most of her time reading, but was really lovely to talk with. They said the absolute BEST was Marlon Brando, who never hung out with the other actors, but always ate with the crew, often ordering in pizza and beer for everyone.

    And as a local theatre girl (which is not a great pedigree, I admit, but I get any role I want and have built a great community-something more difficult to attain professionally), to whoever equated character work with just “getting less lines” I can tell you you’re misinformed. There may be fewer lines, but the work that you have to do to pull them off in an authentic and memorable way far surpasses the work required in most leading roles. I had to do a 15 minute play with no lines, but I had to cry the entire time and the internal work was gruelling. So please don’t equate number of lines with work involved, they don’t necessarily co-relate.

  48. CandyKay says:

    I actually think it might be better to be a working character actor than a huge star.

    No bodyguards, no stalkers, no paparazzi, no one harassing your family.

    Just a decent income from doing the work you love. Sounds good to me.

  49. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    Yet further proof that men get more attractive as they get older.

    I don’t know him or any of the people he mentions but hells yeah I love the gossip!

  50. Silver Fang says:

    The only comments Bronson made that actually surprised me were the ones about Cruise and Middler. I read an older interview of his from the 90s and he said the same thing about Washington then.

    I’ve always found Bronson’s interviews very enjoyable. He is articulate, honest to the point of bluntness and just so down-to-earth and funny.

    It’s just a shame that these qualities, which should be endearing, end up getting him lambasted by the mindless pop culture whores that make up the majority of the American viewing public these days.

  51. jane says:

    The person–when talking about others is more judged than what he says about others. That is definitely the case here.

    I have no idea who Bronson Pinchot is, but he remains that way because of his poor PR.

  52. Settor29 says:

    There is no legal basis to enforce the implementation of decisions by a legitimate youth group. ,

  53. NFLer says:

    What do they say re: Cruise, Him that doth protest too much. Let’s just say Hollywood has one version of Cruise and the gay community knows a different version. My buddy says years ago he had a friend who Tom invited up to his hotel room. I believe him. Nicole Kidman probably signed a non-disclosure.

  54. j. ferber says:

    Loved the interview, too. Another piece of info about Washington? That he threw O.J. Simpson a party after he was acquitted of killing his ex-wife and her friend. After I heard that, I never saw another Washington film again. What an asshole. Also, am I the only one who thinks Washington had an affair with Julia Roberts (who always used to sleep with her leading men) and that’s why she was so chummy with him when he got his Oscar?

  55. ooglyboogly says:

    I know a guy who knew Tom Cruise in college. Said he was okay in small doses but he was one of those guys who has to be the funniest person in the room at all times. And that was before he was a big shot, so imagine him after ‘Big.’

  56. Rosalee says:

    Tom Cruise was not in “Big” it was Tom Hanks..

  57. Ursula says:

    It is hard to think that someone like Pinochot is a nice person. He doesn’t seem very happy either. Poor soul. Is he married? Probably not. Making him lonely without a career. Bad combination, it would make even a saint bitter. Imagine a guy you thought was a bore and you despised goes on to become such a huge star.

  58. pickelhaube says:

    I love Bronson, I have loved him since he was Balki on “Perfect Strangers”, which was a show I NEVER missed as a kid. I read this interview yesterday and loved the dirt on Cruise, but I was happiest to see that Bronson just seems like a down to Earth, pretty normal guy. I hope he gets more work, because he’s more likable to me than any of the others out there nowadays…and he can act!

    Oh, and when he was on the Surreal Life, somebody in the comments on the AV club site called him “alternately lecherous and consoling”, which might just be the funniest thing I have ever read in my life….!!!

  59. Jon says:

    Wow, so that was the real Denzel Washington in “Training Day.”

  60. marko says:

    I lost all respect for Denzel when he was quoted in an article stating he has never been given a good leading role because he’s African American…..really….cause it seems like you’ve gotten a lot more than any Asian, Indian, native American etc actor out there.

    It is sad to me that posts here defend, or want to defend, his bigotry and bad behavior ‘because he’s just so darned pretty’. Good thing Adolf wasn’t a looker.

    I do have to agree with another earlier post – it is kind of ridiculous all these strong statements of “facts” from people who’ve, almost without exception, never actually met any of these people. Seems just as much homophobic bashing to toss stones at tom cruise; why do you all care so much? I met cruise in the early 90s during a filming, I was just a star struck kid, but he was polite and respectful of the people there at that time. I have to admit, from the stuff I see in the media, he does seem pretty whackadoodle and if you held a gun to my head I’d have to go with “seems like a nutter”. But I still don’t feel I know enough to make a judgment for or against the man either way and I definitely don’t give half a shake who he sleeps with, or wants to.

    The posts from corporate cutie mcding-bat do make me worry….is she allowed to vote? How scary is that? Please tell me her corporation wasn’t in mortgage backed securities….although…that would suddenly connect all the dots wouldn’t it.