Jeffrey Donovan
Born: 1968-05-11 in Amesbury, Massachusetts, USA
Known For: Acting
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
2026
- The Faithful as Abraham
2023
- Surrounded as Wheeler
2022
- First Love as Greg Albright
- R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned as Sheriff Roy Pulsipher
- Breaking as Major Riddick
2021
- INVINCIBLE as Machine Head (voice)
- Law & Order: Organized Crime as Detective Frank Cosgrove
- Wrath of Man as Jackson
- National Champions as Mark Titus
2020
- Honest Thief as Sean Meyers
- Let Him Go as Bill Weboy
2019
- Wonder Woman: Bloodlines as Steve Trevor (voice)
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile as Utah Defense Attorney John O'Connell
- Villains as George
- Lucy in the Sky as Jim Hunt
2018
- Sicario: Day of the Soldado as Steve Forsing
2017
- Shot Caller as Bottles
- LBJ as John F. Kennedy
2016
- Shut Eye as Charlie Haverford
2015
- Sicario as Steve Forsing
- Extinction as Jack
2014
- Fargo as Dodd Gerhardt
- Late Night with Seth Meyers as Self
2011
- J. Edgar as Robert Kennedy
- Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe as Michael Westen (cameo)
2008
- Hindsight as Paul
- Changeling as Captain J.J. Jones
2007
- Burn Notice as Michael Westen
2006
- Come Early Morning as Cal Percell
- Believe in Me as Clay Driscoll
2005
- Hitch as Vance
2004
- Touching Evil as Detective David Creegan
- Sam & Joe as Eric
2003
- Final Draft as Pascal (as Jeff Donovan)
2002
- CSI: Miami as Todd Kendrick
- Monk as Steve Wagner
- Purpose as Robert Jennings
2001
- Crossing Jordan as William Ivers
- Witchblade
2000
- Bait as Julio
- Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 as Jeffrey "Jeff" Patterson
- The Beat as Brad Urich
1998
- When Trumpets Fade as Bobby
- Witness to the Mob as Agent #1
1997
- Catherine's Grove as Thomas Mason
- Vegas Vacation as Hotel Employee (uncredited)
1996
- Spin City as Tom
- The Pretender as Kyle/John Doe
- Millennium as Bobby Webber
- Sleepers as Addison
- Critical Choices as Randy
1995
- Throwing Down as Pete Gulley
1990
- Law & Order as Frank Cosgrove