Iconic Aussie model unrecognisable in Netflix smash Boy Swallows Universe

Australian model Travis Fimmel has transformed since his iconic 90s Calvin Klein underwear advertisements.

Travis Fimmel was once the star of now-infamous Calvin Klein underwear adverts, but he’s looking very different nowadays.

Aussie model Fimmel, who famously once caused traffic jams in Los Angeles after passers-by slowed down to check out his package, is starring in new smash hit Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe.

Aussie hunk Travis Fimmel rose to fame in the early 2000s and became a breakout international star in the modelling world.

The TV star plays the role of drug dealer Lyle Orlik in the hit show, and is seen sporting a very shaggy great beard paired with a mullet, a far cry from his clean-shaven days as a pin-up.

Fimmel, born in Victoria, made a name for himself in the 2000s after becoming the first ever model to sign to Calvin Klein exclusively for a big six-figure sum.

His advertisements caused such a stir that the iconic character of Jerry ‘Smith’ Jarrod from Sex and the City was said to have been inspired by the model’s steamy persona.

Boy Swallows Universe has become a major Aussie hit on Netflix since its release last week. Picture from Netflix.

After a successful modelling career, Fimmel first turned his sights to acting in 2003 when he starred as Tarzan in a short-lived TV series.

In 2013 he scored a huge gig when he played the role of Ragnar Lothbrok in the hit TV series Vikings, which aired between 2013 and 2017.

Speaking about his latest series, Fimmel told 9honey it was “one of the best experiences” of his career.

Although, it turns out he wasn't the biggest fan of his new look, saying: “I was trying to give it a bit of an ‘80s mullet, and yeah, I looked ridiculous”.

The drama, based on the novel of the same name by Trent Dalton, follows Eli Bell (Felix Cameron, Zac Burgess, Auden Ryan), a young boy growing up in the suburbs of 1980s Brisbane who must face the harsh realities of life – and the looming dangers that threaten his family. Fimmel plays Lyle Orlik, Eli’s heroin-dealing stepfather.

Fimmel turned his sights to acting after a hugely successful modelling career in the 2000s. Picture Supplied.

He went on to discuss his character, adding: “He’s a man that means very well but is very flawed and everything is he’s trying to do is not be a victim, get out of his lifestyle and protect the kids”.

After debuting on January 11, the show is currently sitting comfortably within the Netflix Global Top 10, and has an 89% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes – with critics praising the show’s joyful nature despite being based on such dark material.

Boy Swallows Universe is steaming now on Netflix.