
Jeffrey Donovan
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.
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Known For
Acting History
2026
The Faithful as Abraham
2023Surrounded as Wheeler
2022R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned as Sheriff Roy Pulsipher
2022Breaking as Major Riddick
2022First Love as Greg Albright
2021National Champions as Mark Titus
2021Wrath of Man as Jackson
2021Law & Order: Organized Crime as Detective Frank Cosgrove
2021INVINCIBLE as Machine Head (voice)
2020Let Him Go as Bill Weboy
2020Honest Thief as Sean Meyers
2019Wonder Woman: Bloodlines as Steve Trevor (voice)
2019Lucy in the Sky as Jim Hunt
2019Villains as George
2019Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile as Utah Defense Attorney John O'Connell
2018Sicario: Day of the Soldado as Steve Forsing
2017LBJ as John F. Kennedy
2017Shot Caller as Bottles
2016Shut Eye as Charlie Haverford
2015Sicario as Steve Forsing
2015Extinction as Jack
2014Fargo as Dodd Gerhardt
2014Late Night with Seth Meyers as Self
2011J. Edgar as Robert Kennedy
2011Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe as Michael Westen (cameo)
2008Changeling as Captain J.J. Jones
2008Hindsight as Paul
2007Burn Notice as Michael Westen
2006Believe in Me as Clay Driscoll
2006Come Early Morning as Cal Percell
2005Hitch as Vance
2004Sam & Joe as Eric
2004Touching Evil as Detective David Creegan
2003Final Draft as Pascal (as Jeff Donovan)
2002CSI: Miami as Todd Kendrick
2002Monk as Steve Wagner
2002Purpose as Robert Jennings
2001Crossing Jordan as William Ivers
2001Witchblade
2000Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 as Jeffrey "Jeff" Patterson
2000Bait as Julio
2000The Beat as Brad Urich
1998When Trumpets Fade as Bobby
1998Witness to the Mob as Agent #1
1997Catherine's Grove as Thomas Mason
1997Vegas Vacation as Hotel Employee (uncredited)
1996Critical Choices as Randy
1996Millennium as Bobby Webber
1996Sleepers as Addison
1996The Pretender as Kyle/John Doe
1996The Pretender as Kyle
1996Spin City as Tom
1995Throwing Down as Pete Gulley
1990Law & Order as Frank Cosgrove
1990Law & Order as Eddie Nicodos
1990Law & Order as Jacob Reese
—Eleven Days
—Wardriver
—Briefcase, 8







