Jeffrey Donovan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeffrey Donovan
Donovan in November 2009
Born	(1968-05-11) May 11, 1968 (age 57) Amesbury, Massachusetts, U.S.
Education	Bridgewater State University University of Massachusetts, Amherst (BA) New York University (MFA)
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1995–present
Spouse(s)	Michelle Woods ​ (m. 2012)​
Children	3

Jeffrey Donovan (born May 11, 1968) is an American actor. He is well-known for playing Michael Westen in the TV show Burn Notice. He has also appeared in many movies. These include Hitch, Changeling, and J. Edgar. In J. Edgar, he played Robert F. Kennedy. Later, he played Robert's brother, John F. Kennedy, in the movie LBJ. From 2022 to 2023, he starred as Detective Frank Cosgrove in the TV series Law & Order.

Early Life

Jeffrey Donovan was born on May 11, 1968. He was the middle of three boys. His mother, Nancy Matthews, raised her sons by herself. They moved many times before settling in Amesbury, Massachusetts.

At Amesbury High School, a teacher helped Jeffrey. This teacher encouraged him to start a drama club. They also helped him find a scholarship for a summer acting program. This program helped him begin his acting journey. He later went to Bridgewater State College. Then he transferred to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He earned a degree in drama there.

While in college, Jeffrey also worked as a bus driver. He drove passenger buses for the UMass Transit Service. After that, he earned a master's degree in acting from New York University's Graduate Acting Program.

Acting Career

On Television

Donovan has appeared as a guest star in many TV shows. These include CSI: Miami, Monk, and Law & Order. In 2004, he got his first main role. This was in the show Touching Evil.

From 2007 to 2013, Donovan starred in Burn Notice. He played Michael Westen, a spy who was "burned." This means he was kicked out of his job for unknown reasons. He ended up in Miami, Florida. The show followed Michael as he tried to find out why he was burned. He also helped people in Miami get justice. Donovan also directed some episodes of the show. He even directed a movie called Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe. Burn Notice ran for seven seasons. It was very popular and received good reviews.

In 2015, Donovan had a role in Fargo. He played Dodd Gerhardt, a mobster. From 2016 to 2017, he starred in Shut Eye as Charlie Haverford. In 2021, he joined the cast of Law & Order as a detective.

On Stage

Jeffrey Donovan has also acted in many plays. He played the main character in Hamlet. He was also in plays like A View from the Bridge and An Inspector Calls. He performed in Off-Broadway shows like Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight. He also acted in radio dramas.

Personal Life

Donovan has over 20 years of experience in martial arts. In college, he earned a black belt in Shotokan karate. He also studied aikido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Jeffrey Donovan is a big fan of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. He even threw the ceremonial first pitch at their games in 2009 and 2010.

Donovan married model and actress Michelle Woods in 2012. They have three children together. Their first daughter, Claire, was born in 2012. Their son, Lucas, was born in 2014. They welcomed another daughter in 2017.

Helping Others

In 2009, Donovan went back to Amesbury High School. He took part in a career day program. He gave the school a $100,000 arts scholarship program. The first $10,000 award went to a senior student that June.

Donovan has also supported Life Rolls On (LRO) for many years. This group helps people with spinal cord injuries. In 2009, he helped lead their annual fundraiser. He was also named Grand Marshal for the AIDS Walk Miami in 2010.

He also helps his friends with their charity events. In 2009, he helped Michael Bolton at a concert for women and children in need. Donovan auctioned off a chance to be an extra on Burn Notice. He added a kiss to the prize, which helped raise $36,000!

Film and TV Roles

Film

Television

Awards

See also

In Spanish: Jeffrey Donovan para niños