Travis Fimmel: From Calvin Klein’s Golden Boy to Hollywood’s Viking King

Travis Fimmel: From Calvin Klein’s Golden Boy to Hollywood’s Viking King

Before he became a household name as Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings, Travis Fimmel was setting the fashion world on fire. His modeling career in the early 2000s was nothing short of legendary, launching him from rural Australia to international stardom almost overnight.

In 2002, Fimmel signed a groundbreaking six-figure deal with Calvin Klein that made him one of the most sought-after male models of his generation. His steamy Calvin Klein ads plastered on giant billboards in cities like New York became so popular they reportedly caused traffic jams, cementing his status as a global sensation.

With his rugged Australian charm, piercing blue eyes, and signature “surfer look,” Fimmel redefined the male modeling scene. At the height of his fame, he was declared the most in-demand male model in the world. His allure even went so far as to inspire a fictional character in HBO’s Sex and the City, highlighting the cultural impact of his rise.

But modeling was only the beginning. Fimmel used his skyrocketing fame as a springboard into acting, a career move that would eventually pay off in a massive way. After roles in both film and television, he landed the part that would define him: Ragnar Lothbrok, the fierce and cunning warrior-king in the hit series Vikings.

From towering Calvin Klein billboards to epic battle scenes, Travis Fimmel’s journey is proof of how one career can open the door to another and how true star power transcends industries.