Jeffrey Donovan

Jeffrey Donovan

Acting

Born:
1968-05-11
Place of birth:
Amesbury, Massachusetts, USA

Biography

Jeffrey Donovan, born on May 11, 1968, is an American actor and director known for his compelling performances across film, television, and stage. With his versatility, nuanced portrayals, and commanding screen presence, Donovan has established himself as a highly respected and sought-after talent in the entertainment industry. Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Jeffrey Donovan developed an early passion for acting and storytelling. He honed his craft at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied drama and performed in various theater productions. After graduation, he furthered his training at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Donovan began his acting career in the late 1990s, making appearances in television shows such as "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order." However, it was his breakthrough role as Michael Westen in the hit USA Network series "Burn Notice" (2007-2013) that brought him widespread recognition and a dedicated fan base. Donovan's portrayal of a former spy navigating the world of covert operations captivated audiences and showcased his talent for blending action, drama, and dry humor. In addition to his television success, Jeffrey Donovan has made notable contributions to film. He has appeared in a range of genres, from crime dramas to comedies. Some of his notable film credits include "Changeling" (2008), directed by Clint Eastwood, "Hitch" (2005), "J. Edgar" (2011), and "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" (2018). Donovan's ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters has earned him critical acclaim and made him a sought-after actor in the industry. Jeffrey Donovan has also ventured into directing, further showcasing his talents behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with the film "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" (2018), where he helmed the short film "La Camioneta: The Journey of One American School Bus" (2012). Beyond his acting and directing pursuits, Jeffrey Donovan has been involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes. He has participated in fundraising events and campaigns to raise awareness and funds for organizations dedicated to causes such as cancer research and supporting veterans.

Known For

Filmography

The Cycle

The Cycle

6.92026Marks
Movie
Eleven Days

Eleven Days

2026
Movie
The Faithful

The Faithful

6.62026Abraham
TV
Wardriver

Wardriver

7.42026Bilson
Movie
Surrounded

Surrounded

6.22023Wheeler
Movie
R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned

R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned

6.22022Sheriff Roy Pulsipher
Movie
Breaking

Breaking

6.52022Major Riddick
Movie
First Love

First Love

5.72022Greg Albright
Movie
National Champions

National Champions

6.42021Mark Titus
Movie
Wrath of Man

Wrath of Man

7.62021Jackson
Movie
Law & Order: Organized Crime

Law & Order: Organized Crime

7.92021Frank Cosgrove
TV
INVINCIBLE

INVINCIBLE

8.62021Machine Head (voice)
TV
Let Him Go

Let Him Go

6.82020Bill Weboy
Movie
Honest Thief

Honest Thief

6.52020Sean Meyers
Movie
Wonder Woman: Bloodlines

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines

6.92019Steve Trevor (voice)
Movie
Villains

Villains

6.22019George
Movie
Lucy in the Sky

Lucy in the Sky

5.02019Jim Hunt
Movie
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

7.02019Utah Defense Attorney John O'Connell
Movie
Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

6.92018Steve Forsing
Movie
LBJ

LBJ

6.42017John F. Kennedy
Movie
Shot Caller

Shot Caller

7.02017Bottles
Movie
Shut Eye

Shut Eye

6.32016Charlie Haverford
TV
Sicario

Sicario

7.42015Steve Forsing
Movie
Extinction

Extinction

6.42015Jack
Movie
Fargo

Fargo

8.32014Dodd Gerhardt
TV
Late Night with Seth Meyers

Late Night with Seth Meyers

5.12014Self
TV
J. Edgar

J. Edgar

6.22011Robert Kennedy
Movie
Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe

Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe

6.42011Michael Westen (cameo)
Movie
Changeling

Changeling

7.62008Captain J.J. Jones
Movie
Hindsight

Hindsight

4.12008Paul
Movie
Burn Notice

Burn Notice

7.52007Michael Westen
TV
Believe in Me

Believe in Me

6.42006Clay Driscoll
Movie
Come Early Morning

Come Early Morning

5.52006Cal Percell
Movie
Hitch

Hitch

6.62005Vance
Movie
Sam & Joe

Sam & Joe

9.02004Eric
Movie
Touching Evil

Touching Evil

7.02004Detective David Creegan
TV
Final Draft

Final Draft

4.82003Pascal (as Jeff Donovan)
Movie
CSI: Miami

CSI: Miami

7.72002Todd Kendrick
TV
Monk

Monk

7.92002Steve Wagner
TV
Purpose

Purpose

4.92002Robert Jennings
Movie
Crossing Jordan

Crossing Jordan

7.22001William Ivers
TV
Witchblade

Witchblade

7.02001
TV
Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2

Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2

4.42000Jeffrey "Jeff" Patterson
Movie
Bait

Bait

5.72000Julio
Movie
The Beat

The Beat

4.02000Brad Urich
TV
When Trumpets Fade

When Trumpets Fade

6.61998Bobby
Movie
Witness to the Mob

Witness to the Mob

7.11998Agent #1
Movie
Catherine's Grove

Catherine's Grove

4.41997Thomas Mason
Movie
Vegas Vacation

Vegas Vacation

6.01997Hotel Employee (uncredited)
Movie
Critical Choices

Critical Choices

6.31996Randy
Movie
Millennium

Millennium

7.71996Bobby Webber
TV
Sleepers

Sleepers

7.61996Addison
Movie
The Pretender

The Pretender

7.41996Kyle
TV
Spin City

Spin City

7.01996Tom
TV
Throwing Down

Throwing Down

8.01995Pete Gulley
Movie
Homicide: Life on the Street

Homicide: Life on the Street

8.11993Newton Dell / Miles Dell
TV
Law & Order

Law & Order

7.31990Jacob Reese
TV
Briefcase, 8

Briefcase, 8

Movie
Hal

Hal

Dan Oliver
Movie