He’s the hunky Australian model who once starred in a string of sultry Calvin Klein underwear ads.
But Travis Fimmel looks worlds away from his days as an early 2000s pin-up in his new Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe.
The Vikings actor plays the role of drug dealer Lyle Orlik in the hit show, and is seen wearing an array of daggy 80’s-style outfits while sporting a shaggy salt-and-pepper beard and an earring.
The new look is worlds apart from his sleek modelling ads.
The Melbourne-born star made a name for himself in 2002 as the first male model to land a six figure deal to pose exclusively for Calvin Klein for one year.
He’s the hunky Australian model who once starred in a string of sultry Calvin Klein underwear ads. But Travis Fimmel looks worlds away from his days as an early 2000s pin-up in his new Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe. (Travis pictured in Calvin Klein ad in 2002)
Travis appeared on dozens of billboards across LA, causing traffic jams in the area due to the raunchy nature of his images.
The character of Jerry ‘Smith’ Jarrod from Sex and the City is said to have been inspired by Travis, who also appeared in spreads and on the covers of magazines like W.
Since then, Travis has exclusively turned his attention to acting, with his latest project Boy Swallows Universe earning rave reviews form audiences.
The actor (right, with co-star Phoebe Tonkin) plays the role of drug dealer Lyle Orlik in the hit show, and is seen wearing an array of daggy 80’s-style outfits while sporting a shaggy salt-and-pepper beard and an earring
Adapted from Trent Dalton’s iconic novel, Boy Swallows Universe is an extraordinary tale that explores the trials and tribulations of two brothers – Eli and August – who grow up in 1980s suburban Brisbane.
The series was released in full on January 11, and plenty of Netflix subscribers have already binged their way through all seven-plus hours – hailing the show as ‘beautiful and brilliant.’
Staying true to its Aussie roots, the series stars an A-List lineup of Australian actors, including Phoebe Tonkin as Frances Bell, Eli’s mother.
Adapted from Trent Dalton’s iconic novel, Boy Swallows Universe is an extraordinary tale that explores the trials and tribulations of two brothers – Eli and August – who grow up in 1980s suburban Brisbane. (Travis and Phoebe pictured with co-stars Lee Halley and Felix Cameron)
The troubled tale first tugged at the heartstrings of many Australians when the book was released in 2018 – with particular elements of the story revealed to be loosely inspired by some of the author’s very own childhood experiences.
Speaking to the Townsville Bulletin in July 2018, Trent recalled that he himself grew up with two unconventional male role models.
One was his criminal stepfather, and the second was a family friend, Arthur ‘Slim’ Halliday, who was a convicted killer and prison escapee notoriously known as ‘The Houdini of Boggo Road.’
Describing his stepfather as the ‘first man I ever truly loved,’ Trent, as a boy, would look up to the man he called ‘Dad’ – despite his shady, dark doings as a criminal.
However, when his stepfather was taken away by police, the novelist began to funnel his desire to find out more about his father figure’s secret life into writing a book, based on ‘answers that never came.’
The series was released in full on January 11, and plenty of Netflix subscribers have already binged their way through all seven-plus hours – hailing the show as ‘beautiful and brilliant’
