**Corbin Bernsen Reflects on a Life of Love, Career, and New Beginnings**
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Actor Corbin Bernsen, who first captivated audiences in the 1980s as Arnie Becker in *L.A. Law*, is currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence in his acting career. Now at 71, Bernsen finds himself busier than ever, thanks to roles in popular series such as Apple TV’s *Your Friends and Neighbours*—where he stars alongside Jon Hamm—and NBC’s *The Rise and Fall of Reggie Dinkins*, featuring Tracy Morgan. He is also making headlines with a recurring role in the final season of Netflix’s *The Lincoln Lawyer*.
Reflecting on his lengthy and varied career, Bernsen expresses incredulity at the renewed interest in his work. “I’ve always known that as an actor you could keep going,” he muses. “Look at the Brits, they drop dead on stage!” However, he admits he never imagined that his performance at this age would resonate more with audiences than ever before.
The actor, who gained fame in both television and film—including his memorable role in *Psych* and the comedy classic *Major League*—affirms that fame has never been his primary concern. “It’s funny,” he remarks, “I was walking around with my friend Harry Hamlin the other day, and every other person was saying how much they enjoyed *Friends and Neighbours*. When you’re on a popular show, you know you’ve made an impact.”
Despite being a well-known figure in the industry for over four decades, Bernsen maintains a sense of humility about his fame. “I was never that famous,” he quips, joking that he has never had to disguise himself while out in public. “I’m recognised just enough to feed my ego and occasionally secure a good table at a restaurant.”
Having grown up in Los Angeles, where his mother Jeanne Cooper starred on *The Young and the Restless* for 40 years, Bernsen has always had entertainment in his blood. He currently divides his time between the idyllic Hudson Valley in New York and a charming home in France, alongside his wife, English actress Amanda Pays. The couple has raised four sons together and often reflect on their lives and careers.
His ongoing enthusiasm for acting translates into a new creative venture. Bernsen has penned a pilot episode for a series titled *Woodstockers*, exploring the lives of aging former hippies dealing with the challenges of their later years. “It’s not filled with the magic of youth,” Bernsen explains, “but rather focuses on how time marches on. The narrative explores real struggles of loss and the need to embrace the chaos of life.”
He further elaborates that the show’s main character faces considerable adversity, prompting a deeper understanding of the resilience that life’s challenges can foster. “Everything’s coming at him—his wife leaves, he loses his best friend, his health declines. He has to learn to live in the chaos and find beauty in it,” Bernsen describes.
Despite the exciting projects on the horizon, Bernsen is not driven by financial necessity. “I could stop working today and be perfectly content,” he shares. “Financially, we’re in a good place, and our children are now out in the world making their way. If a project doesn’t excite me, I’m free to pass on it, which is a wonderful position to be in.”
In addition to his acting career, Bernsen and Pays have developed a successful side business flipping homes. He notes, “We’ve done about 35 or 36 properties.” Bernsen takes on the architectural aspects of the renovations while Pays focuses on the design elements, creating cohesive and beautiful living spaces.
His enduring marriage, having wed Pays in 1988, is another topic close to his heart. When asked about the key to their successful partnership, Bernsen simply states, “Just don’t quit.” He acknowledges that while no relationship is without its challenges, the foundation of love can see couples through their toughest times. “The bad periods can feel like a bout of the stomach flu,” he jokes. “You may feel lousy for a bit, but then it passes, and you’re back to normal.”
As he looks back on his achievements and future aspirations, Bernsen expresses a profound gratitude for the love he has experienced in his life. Citing a poignant lyric from a song by America, he reflects, “I feel blessed because I’ve known love. That’s something special.”
With a career that continues to flourish, a loving family, and new projects on the horizon, Corbin Bernsen embodies the spirit of resilience and reinvention. As he navigates this “third act” of his extraordinary life, he remains a source of inspiration to both audiences and fellow artists alike.