We recently had the opportunity to chat with Bronson Pinchot about his experiences following the release of Beverly Hills Cop in 1984. The film, which has now found a new audience on Netflix, has brought back fond memories for many fans, especially with the release of its fourth installment. Eddie Murphy’s return as Axel Foley has been a highlight, but it’s not just Murphy who has made a comeback. Bronson Pinchot, who played the memorable character Serge, also returns, reminding fans of his iconic “lemon twist” line from the first film.
Pinchot’s sudden rise to fame after Beverly Hills Cop was both exhilarating and overwhelming. He vividly recalls an incident that happened just minutes after the movie’s release. “Five minutes after the movie came out, I was having a little fruit salad at this place,” Pinchot began. “There was this leather biker guy and his girlfriend, and they had obviously been up all night. We were the only three people in the place. The guy looks over at me and says, ‘Hey, do the accent.’ I politely declined, saying I just wanted to eat my fruit salad.”
The situation quickly escalated. “His girlfriend, who had her back to me, said, ‘Maybe he thinks he’s too good for you, Vinny.’ Vinny then said, ‘Well, then maybe I’ll have to kill him.’ My eye glided over to the young terrified woman behind the cash register, and she pantomimed, ‘Do you want me to call the police?’ I don’t know why, but I said no. So ever so slowly, like when you’re attacked by a bobcat, I got into my Jeep. Vinny got into his car and waited until I got up in the hills, then tried to run me off the road because I wouldn’t do the accent. So now, I just do it!”
Pinchot’s story highlights the intense and sometimes dangerous side of sudden fame. “The reason you see people like Ben Affleck, who has been in the spotlight for decades, just walking to his car and ignoring paparazzi, is because they’ve had years of practice. I was 25 years old, sleeping on the floor with no money and no food, and suddenly, I was everywhere. It was a steep learning curve.”
Reflecting on the moment he realized his life had changed, Pinchot shared, “I was so poor, I couldn’t even afford a magazine. Someone called me and said, ‘You gotta go see Newsweek.’ I walked from my crappy apartment in Hollywood to pick up a copy. It mentioned me as a ‘singular, unknown actor.’ As I was walking home, a car pulled up onto the sidewalk, and I thought I was going to die. Instead, they all piled out and started talking about Serge. The movie had been out for just a few minutes. It was a surreal experience.”
Pinchot’s journey from obscurity to fame was filled with unexpected challenges and moments of danger. Yet, it also brought him recognition and a place in Hollywood history. His portrayal of Serge in Beverly Hills Cop remains a beloved part of the franchise, and his return in the latest installment is a testament to his enduring appeal.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is now streaming on Netflix, allowing a new generation of viewers to experience the magic of Axel Foley and Serge. For Pinchot, the journey has been a mix of highs and lows, but his story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame and the resilience required to navigate it.
Source: ComicBook
