CELEB FEATURE
Grounding characters in emotional truth remains central to his approach.“ I always try to portray people who feel real and human,” he explains.“ That means leaning into emotions that are messy and not always easy to understand.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Both actors acknowledge that Blood & Water opened unexpected doors. For Thabang, the series became a springboard to international projects, including Hollywood’ s Now You See Me, Now You Don’ t, where he shared the screen with stars he grew up watching.
“ Being on that set was so surreal,” he says.
“ I learned so much about the craft, and the precision, scale, and discipline that goes into productions at that level. It pushed me to work harder while reminding me to stay grounded.”
For Leroy, the opportunities extended beyond acting. The series introduced him to filmmakers and creatives he might never have met otherwise, broadening both his network and his perspective on the industry. Looking ahead, he is eager to explore producing and helping shape the creative environment from behind the scenes.
“ Producing appeals to me because it’ s about shaping the whole experience for everyone involved,” he says.“ It’ s about impact, both creatively and personally, and ensuring the team can shine as much as the story does.”
Despite their growing reach, both Thabang and Leroy remain deeply connected to South Africa. For Thabang, his hometown of Harrismith remains a grounding space.“ I always go back there when I need to gather my strength,” he explains.“ It reminds me where I come from and why I do what I do.”
Leroy says his work is driven by a desire to represent South African stories authentically.“ Being part of Blood & Water wasn’ t just about a role,” he says.“ It was about being part of a narrative that showcases South African talent, culture, and creativity in a way that can stand alongside anything.”
For both actors, Blood & Water remains a a marker of where things began, and of how far South African talent can travel. IB
MAY 2026 / INBOUND SA 75