Erik Holm on Turning Limitations into Opportunities in South African TV

Photo Credit: Erik Holm - Supplied

Fresh from his SAFTA win, Erik Holm shares candid reflections on acting with a disability, authentic storytelling, and the power of being truly seen on screen.

Johannesburg, South Africa (23 March 2026) – Eric Holm speaks about his craft with such powerful honesty. One that cuts through the glamour often associated with the industry. Fresh off his win at the South African Film and Television Awards, where he received the Outstanding Person with Disability Contributor Award, Erik reflects not just on recognition, but on what it truly means to be seen.

“It’s real work,” he says. “I mean, it’s a lot of fun. It is not rocket science or brain surgery, but it is hard work.”

That sentiment captures the essence of a career that has spanned nearly two decades. For Erik, the award is less about accolades and more about acknowledgement, particularly from beyond the disability community.

“Having people go like, ‘well, you know, we notice you’… there is a bit of a flame in your heart when they call your name.”

His journey in television has not been without its challenges. As a performer living with a disability, Erik speaks candidly about the limitations that can come with the industry.

“If they require me to run around and jump on the bad guys, it’s just not something I can do,” he explains. “So your whole scope becomes limited, and then you try and figure a way within that limitation to be as good as you can.”

That determination has defined his work, from early breakthroughs like 7 de Laan to his role on Binnelanders. His transition into television following his accident required personal resilience, but also industry adaptation. Production teams had to rethink logistics many take for granted, from set accessibility to physical movement within scenes.

“They had no idea whether it could work,” he recalls. “But they just went like, ‘okay, we’re going to manage this.’ And because they did that, everyone else, just followed suit.”

Beyond performance, Erik is deeply passionate about authentic storytelling. He shares how audiences initially questioned his portrayal of a disabled character. Completely unaware that he was performing from a lived experience. For Erik, true inclusion lies in normalisation. Not spotlighting disability as something separate, but allowing it to exist naturally within everyday narratives.

“Instead of shining a massive light on it, it just becomes part of the day. Side by side, not ahead, not behind.”

While he acknowledges the influence that comes with being on screen, he approaches it with balance. And mentions that as cliche as it might sound, representation truly matters.

Looking ahead, Erik hopes his work will shift perspectives in a subtle but lasting way.

“I want to not necessarily be seen as a disabled actor. I want to be seen as an actor. And yet I have an absolutely unique opportunity because I am a disabled actor, not just an actor.”

The vision is profound, a world where disability is not the defining introduction, but just one part of a much fuller story.