Inside the Mind of Travis Jeffery — From Ape School to Writing Stories That Stick

Vishnu: What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?

Travis Jeffery: I kind of stumbled into acting by accident, in high school. I got asked to be in a school play—at first it sounded completely terrifying, but also like it could be a lot of fun. I was so nervous every night before going on stage, like heart-in-your-throat, couldn’t talk kind of nervous. But something happened every night stepping out on stage before the first line— it was such a rush, pushing through those nerves. I completely fell in love with it. I fell in love with all of it, the plays, the community, the energy of telling a story, the way an audience responds, the feeling of helping people escape their world for a bit and feel something for a while. That connection… it just stuck with me.

Vishnu: Do you have any other dream?

Travis Jeffery: Honestly, I only ever really wanted to be an actor. I’ve never had a big backup plan—and to be honest, I’m not sure I’m very good at anything else! But lately, I’ve been falling in love with writing as well. It’s a different kind of storytelling, but it’s just as fulfilling in its own way. There’s something beautiful about building something from nothing, especially when it comes from a personal place.

Vishnu: Or a dream project that you want to do one day?

Travis Jeffery: I’ve been incredibly lucky—Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was a dream project for me. I’ve always loved the franchise, and I’ve got a huge soft spot for physical transformation in roles. I enjoy the challenge of embodying something completely different, it pushes you as an actor in the best way. I hope my next dream job is already on its way… I just don’t know what it is yet.

Vishnu: Is there something new you're working on that you want your fans to know about?

Travis Jeffery: Yeah—Birthright has just had its premiere at Tribeca in New York and is also screening at the Sydney Film Festival. It’s a film I’m really proud of, one that digs deep emotionally and has a lot of heart. I’m really excited for people to see it. It’s the kind of story that stays with you for a while.

Vishnu: What’s the most challenging thing or project you’ve ever taken on?

Travis Jeffery: Planet of the Apes was without a doubt the most physically demanding. We went through six intense weeks of Ape School—learning how to move, breathe, and think like chimpanzees. It was wild, exhausting, fun and completely transformative. On the other side of things, Birthright was probably the most emotionally challenging. It’s a real rollercoaster. Once people get the chance to see it, I think they’ll understand what I mean.

Vishnu: Do you get scared or tired?

Travis Jeffery: Absolutely. I think nerves are a good thing—it means you care. I never want to lose the nerves and the fear, it keeps me working really hard. I think we do our best work outside of our comfort zone. The days on set can be long and draining, physically and mentally. But I always try to remind myself how lucky I am to be doing what I love. That thought alone gives me a bit of a second wind when I need it.

Vishnu: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about working in this?

Travis Jeffery: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard is, “You’re never going to be a more interesting actor than you are a person.” That really stuck with me. It’s a reminder to live fully, stay curious, and be yourself. People connect with authenticity—on screen and off.

Vishnu: How do you handle the pressures of fame and public attention?

Travis Jeffery: Thankfully in Australia things are a bit more laid-back compared to some places. But no matter where you are, I think it’s important to stay grounded and remember where you started. We were all beginners once, and we’re all still learning.

Vishnu: What’s one thing you wish you knew when you were starting out?

Travis Jeffery: That it’s totally okay to just be yourself. You don’t need to fit a mold or pretend to be someone else to “belong” in this industry. The most interesting thing you can be is you. We all bring something unique to the table.

Vishnu: And what advice would you give to someone new trying to break into the industry?

Travis Jeffery: It might sound like a cliché, but it’s true—hard work always wins. Keep working on your craft even when no one’s watching. So when the right opportunity comes along, you’re ready. Success is really just preparation meeting opportunity. And yeah, you’ll need a lot of luck too. But the harder you work, the more luck tends to show up