Jeffrey Donovan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeffrey Donovan
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Donovan in November 2009
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| Born | May 11, 1968 Amesbury, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| 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 his role as Michael Westen in the TV series Burn Notice. He has also appeared in many movies, including Hitch, Changeling, and Sicario. Jeffrey Donovan has played important historical figures, like Robert F. Kennedy and his brother John F. Kennedy, in films. From 2022 to 2023, he starred as Detective Frank Cosgrove on the TV show Law & Order.
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Early life and Education
Jeffrey Donovan was born on May 11, 1968. He grew up with two brothers. His mother, Nancy Matthews, raised them by herself. They moved several times before settling in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
At Amesbury High School, a teacher helped Jeffrey start a drama club. This teacher also helped him get a scholarship for a summer acting program. This program was a big step in starting his acting career. He later went to Bridgewater State University and then the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama there. He also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
Acting Career
Television Roles
Jeffrey Donovan has appeared in many popular TV shows. Early in his career, he guest-starred in shows like CSI: Miami, Monk, and Law & Order. In 2004, he got his first main role in the American TV series Touching Evil.
His most famous role was playing Michael Westen in Burn Notice. This show was about a spy who was "burned," meaning he was fired and left without a job. The story followed Michael as he tried to find out why he was burned. He also helped people in Miami. The show ran for seven seasons, from 2007 to 2013. Jeffrey Donovan also directed some episodes of Burn Notice. He even directed a movie called Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe, which was a prequel to the series.
In 2015, he had a recurring role in the TV series Fargo. He played a character named Dodd Gerhardt. From 2016 to 2017, he starred in the show Shut Eye. More recently, from 2022 to 2023, he played Detective Frank Cosgrove on the revival of Law & Order.
Film Appearances
Jeffrey Donovan has been in many films. Some of his notable movie roles include:
- Hitch (2005)
- Believe in Me (2006)
- Changeling (2008)
- J. Edgar (2011), where he played Robert F. Kennedy
- Sicario (2015) and its sequel Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
- LBJ (2016), where he played John F. Kennedy
- Honest Thief (2020)
- Wrath of Man (2021)
Theater Performances
Jeffrey Donovan has also performed on stage. He has acted in plays like Hamlet, where he played the main character. He also appeared in A View from the Bridge and An Inspector Calls. He has performed in Off-Broadway plays in New York City.
Personal Life and Interests
Jeffrey Donovan has a strong background in martial arts. He has over 20 years of experience. In college, he earned a black belt in Shotokan karate. He also studied aikido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
He is a big fan of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. He has thrown the ceremonial first pitch at Red Sox games at Fenway Park multiple times.
Jeffrey Donovan married model and actress Michelle Woods in 2012. They have three children together: a daughter born in 2012, a son born in 2014, and another daughter born in 2017.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Jeffrey Donovan is involved in charity work. In 2009, he visited his old high school, Amesbury High. He helped start a $100,000 arts scholarship program for students there.
He has supported the Life Rolls On (LRO) foundation for many years. This foundation helps people with spinal cord injuries. He has also been involved with AIDS Walk Miami.
Donovan also helps his friends with their charity events. In 2009, he helped Michael Bolton at a benefit concert. He auctioned off a "Burn Notice walk-on part" along with a kiss. This raised a lot of money for charity.
Awards and Recognition
Jeffrey Donovan has received awards for his acting.
- In 2003, he won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Method Fest Independent Film Festival for his role in Sam & Joe.
- He was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Action in 2010 and 2011 for his work on Burn Notice.
See also
In Spanish: Jeffrey Donovan para niños
