
Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Born
May 11, 1968 (age 57)
Place of Birth
Amesbury, Massachusetts, USA
Also Known As
Jeff Donovan
Jeffrey T. Donovan
제프리 도노반
جفری داناوان
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.
Known For

TV
Law & Order
Frank Cosgrove
1990

TV
Law & Order
Eddie Nicodos
1990

TV
Law & Order
Jacob Reese
1990

TV
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Self
2014

TV
Crossing Jordan
William Ivers
2001

TV
CSI: Miami
Todd Kendrick
2002

TV
Fargo
Dodd Gerhardt
2014

TV
Monk
Steve Wagner
2002

TV
Invincible
Machine Head (voice)
2021

TV
Burn Notice
Michael Westen
2007

TV
Spin City
Tom
1996

TV
Homicide: Life on the Street
Newton Dell / Miles Dell
1993

TV
Millennium
Bobby Webber
1996

TV
Law & Order: Organized Crime
Detective Frank Cosgrove
2021

TV
The Pretender
Kyle/John Doe
1996

TV
The Pretender
Kyle
1996

Film
Wrath of Man
Jackson
2021

TV
The Beat
Brad Urich
2000

Film
Sicario
Steve Forsing
2015

Film
Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Steve Forsing
2018
Filmography
2026TVThe Faithfulas Abraham2026FilmWardriveras Bilson2023FilmSurroundedas Wheeler2022FilmR.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damnedas Sheriff Roy Pulsipher2022FilmBreakingas Major Riddick2022FilmFirst Loveas Greg Albright2021FilmNational Championsas Mark Titus2021FilmWrath of Manas Jackson2021TVLaw & Order: Organized Crimeas Detective Frank Cosgrove2021TVInvincibleas Machine Head (voice)2020FilmLet Him Goas Bill Weboy2020FilmHonest Thiefas Sean Meyers2019FilmWonder Woman: Bloodlinesas Steve Trevor (voice)2019FilmVillainsas George2019FilmLucy in the Skyas Jim Hunt2019FilmExtremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vileas Utah Defense Attorney John O'Connell2018FilmSicario: Day of the Soldadoas Steve Forsing2017FilmLBJas John F. Kennedy2017FilmShot Calleras Bottles2016TVShut Eyeas Charlie Haverford2015FilmSicarioas Steve Forsing2015FilmExtinctionas Jack2014TVFargoas Dodd Gerhardt2014TVLate Night with Seth Meyersas Self2011FilmJ. Edgaras Robert Kennedy2011FilmBurn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axeas Michael Westen (cameo)2008FilmChangelingas Captain J.J. Jones2008FilmHindsightas Paul2007TVBurn Noticeas Michael Westen2006FilmBelieve in Meas Clay Driscoll2006FilmCome Early Morningas Cal Percell2005FilmHitchas Vance2004FilmSam & Joeas Eric2004TVTouching Evilas Detective David Creegan2003FilmFinal Draftas Pascal (as Jeff Donovan)2002TVCSI: Miamias Todd Kendrick2002TVMonkas Steve Wagner2002FilmPurposeas Robert Jennings2001TVCrossing Jordanas William Ivers2001TVWitchblade2000FilmBook of Shadows: Blair Witch 2as Jeffrey "Jeff" Patterson2000FilmBaitas Julio2000TVThe Beatas Brad Urich1998FilmWhen Trumpets Fadeas Bobby1998FilmWitness to the Mobas Agent #11997FilmCatherine's Groveas Thomas Mason1997FilmVegas Vacationas Hotel Employee (uncredited)1996FilmCritical Choicesas Randy1996TVMillenniumas Bobby Webber1996FilmSleepersas Addison1996TVThe Pretenderas Kyle/John Doe1996TVSpin Cityas Tom1995FilmThrowing Downas Pete Gulley1993TVHomicide: Life on the Streetas Newton Dell / Miles Dell1990TVLaw & Orderas Frank Cosgrove—FilmBriefcase, 8—FilmEleven Days—FilmThe Cycleas Marks—FilmHalas Dan Oliver