Denim Jacket by GANT
Albro Shirt by PAIGE

Travis Van Winkle is no stranger to an action role, or that of a himbo or a survivalist health-nut. As he shines in the portrayal of Aldon in FUBAR, Van Winkle shows us that no person is just one thing; he gets real about digging inside the mind of his character and gives us a peak of what goes on inside his own. Season 2 of FUBAR is streaming on Netflix now.

Your character in FUBAR is a man of linguistics. How do you go about learning lines that are in a language you are not fluent in. Do you memorize the line on the page or gain an understanding of the basics of the language?
I break it down phonetically with our Fubar dialect coach, Adam Bergquist, learn the meaning, and get the rhythm right. I listen to a recording of native speakers given to me, and as I walk my dog, I’ll run it over and over until I can land it without second-guessing. And because my headphones are in, I don’t look like a crazy person talking to himself at the park. I’m also a visual learner, so it helps when I write it on post-it notes and leave them all around my house for me to see in passing.

How did you prepare when becoming Aldon? Do you share similarities? Differences?
I built Aldon from the inside out. I gave him a backstory and figured out what drives him emotionally, finding the vulnerability under the confidence. We’re similar in that we both lead with heart and loyalty, and we use humour to navigate tough moments. We both want to do the right thing, even if we fumble the execution, but he’s more impulsive, more reactive. He is like a version of me who never slowed down long enough to ask himself the deeper questions, and this season, he starts to.

The chemistry of everyone read so authentic on screen. How did you connect with your cohort of co-stars?
We genuinely like each other. We spent time together off-set, supported each other’s work, and showed up with no ego and just had fun. The chemistry wasn’t manufactured—it was a natural byproduct of trust and respect.

Outfit by John Varvatos
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes

Fortune plays your pea in the pod, the cream to your coffee, and together were a hilarious duo. What was the most fun had on set while filming?
The day at the airfield when the team first discovers I’ve got the pig—easily one of the best days. Everyone was cracking jokes, Fortune was in rare form, and we were all just messing around between takes. The energy was loose, ridiculous, and exactly the kind of day you hope for on set.

As funny and action-packed as the series is, it also contains themes of facing yourself, accepting all parts of yourself and the ones you love, and taking responsibility for your own actions. Will we see your character’s backstory explored more? Did anything resonate with you personally?
I hope so—there’s more to uncover with Aldon. He carries a lot behind the jokes and charm. That theme of facing yourself and taking responsibility really hit home for me. I’ve done a lot of that work in my own life—looking at the parts I’d rather avoid, owning my choices. So, playing a guy who’s still figuring that out felt personal in a quiet, real way.

You participated in the Malibu Celebrity Triathlon in 2008 and finished in 4th place. Does your fitness routine coincide with your interest in action roles? Did you put in extra training for FUBAR?
Yeah, fitness and sports have always been a big part of my life—they keep me grounded. For the show, I did put in extra training—more functional strength, agility work, and just making sure I could move like someone who does this for a living.

You have been acting for a long time. Is there still excitement when finding out you got the part?
Absolutely. That moment never gets old. It’s that mix of relief, joy, and “Alright, let’s go.” I think the day that feeling fades is the day I should probably take a step back. Every role is a new adventure, a new challenge—and I still feel incredibly grateful every time I get the call.

FUBAR features a ragtag team that becomes a sort of found family. Who are your favorite ragtags on screen other than that of FUBAR?
Paul Newman and Robert Redford in The Sting—easily one of my favourites. Two flawed guys with charm, grit, and great suits, figuring it out as they go.

You’ve gone from Transformers to Hallmark, theatre, and a bit of everything in between. Do you have a favorite type of role to play or a preferred medium of acting?
I love variety—that’s what keeps it exciting. But roles with complexity, where the character’s wrestling with something real, always pull me in. Whether it’s on stage or screen, I’m drawn to people who are messy, layered, trying to figure themselves out.

**Left:**
Pants by John Varvatos
Shirt by Kenneth Cole
Jerico Jacket by PAIGE
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes
**Right:**
Tank by Hanes

Outside of acting, what other passions do you hold dear?
I love being outside—hiking, riding my bike, beach days, anything that gets me moving. I’m into personal growth, good conversations, and finding ways to give back. Also... I take my game nights and backgammon very seriously. Competitive, but in a loving way. Mostly.

The show consists of a great soundtrack. In the second to last episode of season one, there was a wonderful, life-saving sing-along. What music do you listen to in your everyday life and will there be more great musical moments in season 2?
Music’s a big part of my day-to-day—it sets the tone. I’m all over the map: indie rock, classic rock, hip-hop, folk, new age when I need to ground out, 90’s r&b, country... basically everything and always mood dependent. In Season 2, Fortune and I have a little dance scene to Olivia Newton-John. It’s ridiculous in the best way.

What’s with the pig in the BabyBjörn?
Because Aldon’s the kind of guy who’ll carry a Glock in one hand and a piglet in a BabyBjörn like it’s Tuesday. It’s his emotional support animal-slash-partner-in-crime. Honestly, the pig might be the most stable relationship he has… for now.

**Left:**
Tank by Hanes
Pants by OAK + FORT
Belt by Calvin Klein
**Right:**
Suit by John Varvatos

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Travis Van Winkle
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Fashion Stylist + Producer: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Groomer: Luis Guillermo using Oribe + Charlotte Tilbury
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Moises Nunez
Creative Assistant + BTS: Robin Chou
Retoucher: Luka Ukropina
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Seana Watson, Associate Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine

Travis Van Winkle Shines in Fubar