Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for an endoscopic probe, an endoscopic probe and a method for controlling an actuator of an endoscopic probe. The actuator is provided with an elongate shape memory wire (2) consisting of a shape memory alloy, with an electrical conductor (5) which is electrically conductively connected to the shape memory wire (2) and supplies the shape memory wire (2) with current, with a wire insulation (3) which surrounds at least some sections of the shape memory wire (2) and consists of an electrically insulating material and with a flexible sheath (4) which is pressure-resistant in the longitudinal direction of the shape memory wire (2). The shape memory wire (2) converts the electrical energy of the current flowing through said shape memory wire into thermal energy. Under the influence of this heat, the shape memory wire (2) changes its length from a first length to a second length.