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Actor Bradley Bowen on combining martial arts with the film world

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2 years ago

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Bradley Bowen was a karate and jiu-jitsu champion before a chance encounter found him standing in for George Clooney on a feature film. After being a background actor in several productions, he was upgraded to principal actor on a film and eventually earned his SAG card. Bradley has since appeared in TV series ‘Bloodline’ and ‘The First Lady’ and action film ‘Out For Vengeance’. He also worked as a producer on ‘The Flight’, which is currently in pre-production. Bradley may now be a full-time actor and producer, but his martial arts skills still come in handy…

How did you get into martial arts?

I started training in martial arts after I had been working on a construction site and had an altercation with a concrete contractor. I used a few choice words which he did not take kindly to. He choked me to the point where I was seeing stars, almost unconscious. This was the changing point. That night, I joined a martial arts academy and started my journey in martial arts. 

Photo credit: Kristia Knowles

What were your accomplishments in the martial arts world? 

I feel my biggest accomplishment is learning the arts and becoming bully-proof. Martial arts is a lifestyle that makes for a stronger person both physically and mentally, and leads to a healthier lifestyle. I continued training, eventually winning the World Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. After earning my Black Belt I was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).

“My biggest accomplishment as a jiu-jitsu fighter was traveling to Fortaleza, Brazil for an invitational.”

When we arrived at the event, it felt like the invitation was a setup. There were two paramedic trucks and a chain-link fence surrounding the mat. I lost in the final and ended up taking Silver. After multiple injuries I decided to quit competition. I currently hold a purple belt.

How did you end up segueing into the film industry? 

There was a film crew in my hometown of New Smyrna Beach, Florida filming the movie ‘Tomorrowland’. A local talent agency found my name and contacted me to see if I would be interested in being a stand-in. I didn’t even know what a stand-in was.

“I showed up on set without a clue, and it turned out I was standing in for George Clooney!”

I had a blast on set. I ate like a king, was pampered like a princess and paid like a peasant. (The last part didn’t matter.) My mind started turning and eventually I found my way onto more sets as a background actor, through self-submissions. One day I showed up on set as a background actor for a low-budget film and was upgraded to a principal actor, earning my SAG card. After this, I  began pursuing acting as a full-time career.

Photo credit: Kristia Knowles

What’s your life like now? 

After starting out in film and TV, I often found myself travelling to Atlanta, Georgia for productions. So I decided to move to north Georgia to be closer to the film industry. I’m happy that I relocated, because sometimes we get stuck in a comfort zone and life becomes stale. I enjoy the mountains, hiking, biking and camping. It’s like I’m on an extended vacation. 

What are you looking forward to in your film career?

I’m looking forward to landing that perfect role! One that encompasses my character, personality and skills. I’m working with an acting coach, honing my special skills and doing stunt training. It’s like I’m in training for a fight, and when I step into the arena I plan on walking away with a medal. 

Featured photo credit Salar Zarza

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We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

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1 week ago

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February 12, 2025

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Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.

You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?

I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.

Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?

My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.

How do you balance your business and acting career?

During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?

Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.

Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.

Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling

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