He studied for a National Diploma: Performing Arts at Pretoria Technikon from 1979 to 1982, whereupon he landed a one-year contract at the now-defunct performing arts council PACOFS, where he played a number of roles in repertory theatre in 1983.

He worked as a translator at the SABC from 1988 to 2000, working as an actor and voice artist at the SABC. He has been a freelance actor, voice artist and scriptwriter since 2005.

He played the role of Nick Dekker in the SABC2 mini-series Huis van Liefde in March 2008. Other television series he has acted in include Dryfsand, Amalia, Begeertes, Justice for All, 7de Laan, Binnelanders, Kruispad, Scandal!, 90 Plein Street, Pandjieswinkelstories and Bloedbroers.

Louis has also acted in a number of feature films including District 9, Getroud Met Rugby, Winnie Mandela, Heart and Soul, Blitzpatrollie and Semi-Soet.

In 2013 he landed the recurring role of Pieter Terre'Blanche, the head of security who is a recovering gambling addict. The role was upped to a series regular for Season 2 when the show changed from a weekly drama to a telenovela in 2015.