Jeffrey Donovan

Jeffrey Donovan

Acting • Born 1968-05-11

Acting2Amesbury, 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.

Filmography

62 credits
Changeling

Changeling

Movie • 2008

Captain J.J. Jones

Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2

Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2

Movie • 2000

Jeffrey "Jeff" Patterson

Come Early Morning

Come Early Morning

Movie • 2006

Cal Percell

Hitch

Hitch

Movie • 2005

Vance

Vegas Vacation

Vegas Vacation

Movie • 1997

Hotel Employee (uncredited)

Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe

Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe

Movie • 2011

Michael Westen (cameo)

Believe in Me

Believe in Me

Movie • 2006

Clay Driscoll

Breaking

Breaking

Movie • 2022

Major Riddick

Catherine's Grove

Catherine's Grove

Movie • 1997

Thomas Mason

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

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

Movie • 2022

Sheriff Roy Pulsipher

Critical Choices

Critical Choices

Movie • 1996

Randy

Extinction

Extinction

Movie • 2015

Jack

Shot Caller

Shot Caller

Movie • 2017

Bottles

Surrounded

Surrounded

Movie • 2023

Wheeler

Sicario

Sicario

Movie • 2015

Steve Forsing

LBJ

LBJ

Movie • 2017

John F. Kennedy

Wardriver

Wardriver

Movie • 2026

Bilson

Sleepers

Sleepers

Movie • 1996

Addison

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Movie • 2018

Steve Forsing

J. Edgar

J. Edgar

Movie • 2011

Robert Kennedy

Hindsight

Hindsight

Movie • 2008

Paul

Villains

Villains

Movie • 2019

George

Final Draft

Final Draft

Movie • 2003

Pascal (as Jeff Donovan)

Honest Thief

Honest Thief

Movie • 2020

Sean Meyers

Let Him Go

Let Him Go

Movie • 2020

Bill Weboy

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Movie • 2019

Utah Defense Attorney John O'Connell

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines

Movie • 2019

Steve Trevor (voice)

Wrath of Man

Wrath of Man

Movie • 2021

Jackson

Lucy in the Sky

Lucy in the Sky

Movie • 2019

Jim Hunt

Bait

Bait

Movie • 2000

Julio

Throwing Down

Throwing Down

Movie • 1995

Pete Gulley

When Trumpets Fade

When Trumpets Fade

Movie • 1998

Bobby

Sam & Joe

Sam & Joe

Movie • 2004

Eric

Purpose

Purpose

Movie • 2002

Robert Jennings

First Love

First Love

Movie • 2022

Greg Albright

National Champions

National Champions

Movie • 2021

Mark Titus

Witness to the Mob

Witness to the Mob

Movie • 1998

Agent #1

Briefcase, 8

Briefcase, 8

Movie

Eleven Days

Eleven Days

Movie

The Cycle

The Cycle

Movie

Marks

Hal

Hal

Movie

Dan Oliver

CSI: Miami

CSI: Miami

TV • 2002

Todd Kendrick

Monk

Monk

TV • 2002

Steve Wagner

Burn Notice

Burn Notice

TV • 2007

Michael Westen

Millennium

Millennium

TV • 1996

Bobby Webber

Witchblade

Witchblade

TV • 2001

Touching Evil

Touching Evil

TV • 2004

Detective David Creegan

Fargo

Fargo

TV • 2014

Dodd Gerhardt

Law & Order

Law & Order

TV • 1990

Frank Cosgrove

Shut Eye

Shut Eye

TV • 2016

Charlie Haverford

Spin City

Spin City

TV • 1996

Tom

Late Night with Seth Meyers

Late Night with Seth Meyers

TV • 2014

Self

Law & Order

Law & Order

TV • 1990

Eddie Nicodos

The Beat

The Beat

TV • 2000

Brad Urich

Law & Order: Organized Crime

Law & Order: Organized Crime

TV • 2021

Detective Frank Cosgrove

Invincible

Invincible

TV • 2021

Machine Head (voice)

Law & Order

Law & Order

TV • 1990

Jacob Reese

Crossing Jordan

Crossing Jordan

TV • 2001

William Ivers

The Pretender

The Pretender

TV • 1996

Kyle/John Doe

The Pretender

The Pretender

TV • 1996

Kyle

The Faithful

The Faithful

TV • 2026

Abraham

Homicide: Life on the Street

Homicide: Life on the Street

TV • 1993

Newton Dell / Miles Dell