Arno Greeff has announced he’s quitting long-form film and television acting.
Image: Supplied
After more than a decade on our screens, Arno Greeff is officially pressing pause on long-form film and television acting.
The actor, best known for his role as Chris Ackerman in the Netflix series "Blood & Water", shared the news in an Instagram video, revealing that the decision has been brewing for quite some time.
“This is something I have been thinking about for the past two to three years,” he explained. “A lot has happened over the past few weeks that has solidified my decision to move on into a new era.”
Translation: this wasn’t an overnight decision. It’s been simmering in the background for a while.
For Greeff, the biggest shift came down to priorities and family.
“A lot of it is just about priorities; it’s not a priority anymore,” he said. “I don’t want to be away from home and away from my family anymore, and over the past few years, I’ve lost my passion for it.”
After 12 years in the industry, he says he’s grateful for everything he’s achieved.
“I’m fortunate that I’ve had an amazing career. The past 12 years have been filled with phenomenal success and surprises, achieving things I never thought would be possible. It’s time to move on.”
And what a run it has been.
Many viewers will remember Greeff from his early television roles in "Binnelanders", where he played Krige Vos, and later as Tommie Bekker in "Getroud met Rugby: Die Sepie".
He later reached an international audience as Chris Ackerman in "Blood & Water", a role that helped introduce his talent to viewers across the globe.
Greeff also had a standout role in "Recipes for Love and Murder" as Warrant Officer Regardt Snyman, proving he could move between local soapies, international streaming hits and crime drama.
But behind the scenes, the local film and television industry has been facing a tough moment.
“It’s the worst time ever to be in the TV and film industry,” Greeff said bluntly. “It’s tough to see everything that’s been going on, which nudged me towards moving on.”
South Africa’s film and TV industry has been facing a perfect storm. Funding delays and stalled government incentives have left many productions on hold, while long-running shows and new projects struggle to get off the ground.
Earlier this year, industry workers even protested outside parliament, demanding support as jobs disappeared and production crews were left without work.
With fewer productions, limited opportunities, and growing uncertainty for everyone from actors to camera operators, the future of local film and TV has become increasingly fragile.
Still, Greeff isn’t disappearing completely.
Fans will still spot him on screens through presenting work and commercial campaigns, so don’t be surprised if his face suddenly pops up in an advert while you’re halfway through your favourite show.
The actor hinted that he’s returning to a career dream he had before acting took over his life.
“If you’ve known me for some time, then you know I like challenges; I like learning new things. I like to know more about life, and this has given me an opportunity to know more.”
For now, the next chapter remains a mystery.