Travis Fimmel, born in July, 1979, and originally hailing from Lockington, Victoria started life on a farm, but transitioned to a modelling career where he made headlines in the 2000s as the first male model exclusively signed by Calvin Klein for a substantial six-figure sum.

Fimmel’s iconic Calvin Klein advertisements caused a sensation, even inspiring the character of Smith Jerrod (Samantha’s hot boyfriend, for those not in the know) in Sex and the City.

We take a look at how this boy from rural Victoria rose to international stardom.

In the early 2000s, Fimmel shifted gears, entering the world of acting. His breakout came in 2003 with the role of Tarzan in the TV series Tarzan.

However, it was his portrayal of the unhinged yet cunning Ragnar Lothbrok in the hit Netflix series Vikings (2013-2017) that catapulted him to international stardom.

Now, he has added another feather to his cap playing the rough-around-the-edges heroin dealer father Lyle Orlik in the serialised adaptation of Trent Dalton’s acclaimed novel, Boy Swallows Universe.

Travis Fimmel’s transformation is evident in his latest role, sporting a shaggy beard and mullet, lairy ties and leather jackets, marking a drastic change from his clean-shaven, heart-throb image during his Calvin Klein days, where he once caused traffic jams in Los Angeles as drivers stopped to check him out.

Despite his reservations about his new look, Fimmel described his experience working on Boy Swallows Universe as “one of the best experiences” of his career.

The series, set in 1980s Brisbane, revolves around Eli Bell, portrayed by Felix Cameron, Zac Burgess, and Auden Ryan, facing the harsh realities of life and the dangers threatening his family, with Fimmel playing the flawed but well-intentioned Lyle Orlik.

The series premiered on January 11 and was quick to shoot to the top of the Australian charts. Check out a review of the series here and some of the iconic 80s fashions here.