We Speak Actors

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

Published

11 months ago

February 12, 2025

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

We Speak Actors

‘All’s Fair’’ actress Adlih Alvarado on her significant role in the TV series and her success in filmmaking

Published

3 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Anna Sutton

‘All’s Fair’, starring Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, and Kim Kardashian, continues to generate buzz for its powerhouse cast and compelling storytelling. Among the notable performances in the series is actress Adlih Alvarado, whose appearance marks an important milestone in her acting career. Alongside her on-screen work, Adlih is also making waves behind the camera as a filmmaker, bringing a multifaceted creative perspective to her projects. We caught up with her to discuss her experience on ‘All’s Fair’, working opposite industry icons, and her growing success in filmmaking.

Adlih, how did it feel seeing yourself in the recently released episode of ‘All’s Fair’, appearing opposite Sarah Paulson and Naomi Watts?

It felt really surreal — almost like I was watching someone else with my skin acting for me! I replayed the episode so many times because I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. All the anticipation leading up to the episode made it even more exciting. I’ve learned so much from them. I’m obsessed with David Lynch, so finally meeting Naomi — and acting with her — felt like being in the clouds with the stars aligned. And Sarah… I’ve followed her work for years. Every American Horror Story season is burned into my brain. I aspire to be as versatile as she is. They were both incredibly kind and supportive. After we wrapped, Sarah double high-fived me and told me I did a good job — and honestly, no one can ever take that moment away from me.

Can you tell us more about your scene and what the experience was like behind the scenes?

Behind the scenes, it was a lot of fun. Whenever I wasn’t on camera, they offered to take me back to my holding room, but I wanted to stay in the chaos and watch everyone work. It was raining both days, and they even gave me cute rain boots. On the second day, I felt much more relaxed, especially since I didn’t have lines and was simply present in the scene. While everyone was setting up, I finally met Glenn Close, and everyone asked about my name, which felt like a small but special moment. I really wanted to observe, learn, and absorb how big productions operate. Being on a set like that was incredibly valuable.

You’re also a filmmaker — can you share more about your projects in that field?

Yes, I’m also a filmmaker. I studied acting at NYFA, but I really learned filmmaking through creating my own projects and collaborating with friends on theirs. That hands-on experience shaped how I see stories and how they’re built.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has taught me along the way — from wardrobe and set design to building sets.”

I’m also a special effects makeup artist, which gives me another strong connection to the behind-the-camera world. Being on both sides of production helps me feel comfortable with the crew and understand the overall flow of a shoot.

How does your work as a filmmaker influence or support your acting?

It’s a bit of a 50/50 clash. When I’m acting in my own projects, I’m already thinking about the editing room and how the story will come together. My process can look chaotic to others, but I know exactly what I want.

“When I’m acting on someone else’s project, it gives me more freedom. I can explore different choices and layers without worrying about the technical side.”

It feels like stepping into the upside-down version of the same world — but it fuels my creativity.

What’s next for you in filmmaking?

Right now, I’m focused on finishing my film ‘Blu Milk’ and getting it ready for the market — it’s definitely my biggest project so far. I also have a feature film written called ‘Where the Fish Sleep’, which I’d love to start shopping around. My short film ‘Espresso’ is finished and will be hitting festivals in early 2026. It’s my first romantic film and takes place during a chemistry read for an upcoming superhero movie. I wrote, directed, produced, edited, and acted in it — I wore all the hats on that one!

Featured photo credit: Talia Bonanno