Jeffrey Donovan: Biography, Age, Wife, Net Worth and Movies & TV Shows
Jeffrey Donovan is an American actor, director, and producer best known for playing Michael Western in the television series Burn Notice. Across his career, he has appeared in crime dramas, action films, television series, and independent productions. His notable roles include Dodd Gerhardt in Fargo, Steve Forsing in Sicario, Charlie Haverford in Shut Eye, and Detective Frank Cosgrove in Law & Order.
Born on May 11, 1968, in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Donovan developed his interest in acting through school drama activities before studying the subject at university and completing graduate training at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. His more recent screen work includes The Cycle, Wardriver, and The Faithful: Women of the Bible.
This biography covers Jeffrey Donovan’s age, height, education, acting career, major movies and TV shows, wife, children, estimated net worth, and recent projects.
Who Is Jeffrey Donovan?
Jeffrey Donovan is an American performer whose career spans television, film, and theatre. He became widely recognised through Burn Notice, in which he played Michael Westen, a former intelligence operative trying to rebuild his life after being dismissed from the agency.
Although Burn Notice introduced him to a large television audience, Donovan’s work extends beyond that series. He has played characters in productions such as Fargo, Sicario, Shut Eye, and Law & Order. He has also worked behind the camera, directing episodes of Burn Notice and the television film Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe.
Jeffrey Donovan’s Age, Height and Early Life
How Old Is Jeffrey Donovan in 2026?
Jeffrey Donovan was born on May 11, 1968, in Amesbury, Massachusetts, United States. He turned 58 years old on May 11, 2026. His full birth name is Jeffrey Thomas Donovan.
Where Was Jeffrey Donovan Born?
Donovan grew up in Amesbury, Massachusetts, with his mother, Nancy Matthews, and two brothers. His childhood involved financial difficulties, and his family moved several times while he was growing up.
A teacher named Patricia Hoyt encouraged his interest in acting and helped him establish a drama club. Her support also helped him obtain a scholarship for further study. This early encouragement became an important part of his path towards professional acting.
How Tall Is Jeffrey Donovan?
Jeffrey Donovan’s height is listed as approximately 5 feet 11½ inches (1.82 metres) in his IMDb biography. Some entertainment databases round this measurement to six feet, so the more precise listing is worth distinguishing from rounded figures.
Jeffrey Donovan Education and Acting Training
Donovan studied at Bridgewater State University before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama. He later completed graduate acting training at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree.
His academic training gave him a foundation in performance that he later applied across different types of roles. Rather than being associated with only one genre, his career has included crime stories, action films, television dramas, and character-focused productions.
How Jeffrey Donovan Built His Acting Career
His Early Acting Roles
Before becoming a familiar television lead, Donovan appeared in a range of film and television productions. His early screen credits included projects such as Sleepers, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, The Pretender, Spin City, and Crossing Jordan. He also appeared in Touching Evil, a television crime drama.
These roles helped him build experience in different formats before his breakthrough in Burn Notice. His later film work included Hitch (2005), Changeling (2008), and J. Edgar (2011).
How Burn Notice Made Him Famous
Burn Notice became a defining project in Donovan’s career. He played Michael Westen, a former spy who finds himself cut off from his intelligence network and stranded in Miami. While trying to understand why he was dismissed, Westen uses his experience to help people facing difficult situations.
The series also featured Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona Glenanne, Bruce Campbell as Sam Axe, and Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen. The show ran from 2007 to 2013 and lasted seven seasons.
The role required Donovan to carry a long-running series while balancing action, humors, and drama. In an interview, he described the demanding schedule of making more than 110 episodes over seven seasons. He also explained that he wanted a break after the show ended.
His Work as a Director and Producer
Donovan has also worked behind the camera. His directing credits include episodes of Burn Notice and Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe. His career therefore includes more than acting, although his on-screen performances remain his most widely recognized work.
Jeffrey Donovan Movies and TV Shows
Jeffrey Donovan has appeared in television dramas, action films, crime thrillers, and animated productions. The following titles help explain the range of roles associated with his career.
Burn Notice – Michael Westen
In Burn Notice, Donovan played Michael Western, a former intelligence operative who uses his professional skills to help people while investigating the circumstances surrounding his dismissal. The role brought him widespread television recognition and remains one of his best-known performances.
Fargo – Dodd Gerhardt
Donovan appeared as Dodd Gerhardt in the second season of Fargo. The series is an anthology crime drama, with its second season featuring a different story and cast from the first. His performance as Dodd gave him an opportunity to play a character quite different from Michael Western.
Sicario and Sicario: Day of the Soldado – Steve Forsing
Donovan played Steve Forsing in Sicario (2015) and returned to the role in Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). The character is part of the films’ law-enforcement and covert-operation storylines.
In 2026 interviews, Donovan was asked whether he would return for Sicario 3. He said he had not received a call about the project but hoped to be involved. Therefore, his return should not be described as confirmed.
Shut Eye – Charlie Haverford
In the television series Shut Eye, Donovan played Charlie Haverford, a magician involved in the world of fortune-telling businesses and organized crime. The series ran for two seasons, from 2016 to 2017.
Law & Order – Detective Frank Cosgrove
Donovan joined the revived NBC series Law & Order as Detective Frank Cosgrove in season 21. He continued in season 22 but did not return for season 23.
Reports at the time attributed his departure to creative reasons. The series later explained Cosgrove’s absence through dialogue in the season 23 premiere, stating that the detective had left after getting into trouble over his honesty.
Invincible – Machine Head
Donovan voices Machine Head in the animated superhero series Invincible. His credited appearances span 2021, 2025, and 2026. This voice role adds animation to a filmography otherwise known largely for live-action performances.
Other Notable Movies and TV Roles
His other screen credits include:
- Hitch (2005)
- Changeling (2008)
- J. Edgar (2011)
- LBJ (2016)
- Shot Caller (2017)
- Villains (2019)
- Let Him Go (2020)
- Honest Thief (2020)
- Wrath of Man (2021)
- Breaking (2022)
- Surrounded (2023)
These credits show his movement between television and film, as well as his work with established filmmakers and casts.
Why Did Jeffrey Donovan Choose Different Roles After Burn Notice?
After seven seasons of Burn Notice, Donovan began taking on a wider range of characters. Some were morally complicated or openly antagonistic, rather than traditional television heroes.
In his interview with The Action Elite, he discussed the challenge of moving away from Michael Westen and approaching characters according to the story they belonged to. He also explained that the demanding schedule of Burn Notice made him want time away from a long-running television commitment.
His performances in Shot Caller, Villains, and Let Him Go illustrate this change. Rather than repeating the same type of character, he explored roles with different motivations and personalities.
Jeffrey Donovan Experience Making Let Him Go
In the 2020 film Let Him Go, Donovan played Bill Weboy, a member of the Weboy family. The film starred Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as George and Margaret Blackledge.
In his interview with The Action Elite, Donovan discussed joining the production shortly before filming and working with the cast. The role also gave him another opportunity to play a character very different from the leading television hero audiences had seen in Burn Notice.
Does Jeffrey Donovan Want a Burn Notice Movie?
Donovan has discussed the possibility of returning to the world of Burn Notice, but an actor’s interest does not mean a film has been approved or scheduled.
In a 2019 interview with The Action Elite, he spoke about the series and his experience playing Michael Westen. However, the available information does not establish a confirmed Burn Notice movie with Donovan attached. Any proposed film should therefore be treated as unconfirmed unless the production team or an official source announces it.
Who Is Jeffrey Donovan Wife, Michelle Woods?
Jeffrey Donovan is married to Michelle Woods. The couple met in 2011 while Donovan was working on a project, and they married on August 25, 2012, in Santa Barbara, California.
Woods is from Colorado. Donovan has explained that he began visiting the state after meeting her and eventually decided to make it his home. The couple have three children together.
Does Jeffrey Donovan Have Children?
Yes. Jeffrey Donovan and Michelle Woods have three children. The family generally keeps its private life away from the public spotlight.
In a March 2026 interview with Fox News Digital, Donovan spoke about raising his children in Colorado and said he had no plans to move away. His comments provide a glimpse into his family priorities without requiring assumptions about the children’s private lives.
Why Did Jeffrey Donovan Leave Law & Order?
Jeffrey Donovan left Law & Order before its 23rd season after playing Detective Frank Cosgrove in seasons 21 and 22. Reports published in November 2023 said his departure was for creative reasons.
The show addressed Cosgrove’s absence in the season 23 premiere. Detective Jalen Shaw explained that Cosgrove had got into trouble because of his honesty. Donovan has not publicly provided a detailed explanation that establishes every reason behind the production decision, so reports about the departure should be attributed rather than presented as his personal account.
Jeffrey Donovan Net Worth and Salary
Jeffrey Donovan net worth is not publicly confirmed through financial statements or an official disclosure. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his wealth at approximately $10 million and lists a reported salary of $200,000 per episode during Burn Notice. These figures are third-party estimates, not verified details of his personal finances. Celebrity Net Worth
His long-running role in Burn Notice, film appearances, television work, and directing credits are publicly documented parts of his professional career. However, the exact income he earned from individual projects and his current total assets are not established by the available sources.
For this reason, the $10 million figure should be described as an estimate rather than a confirmed net worth.
What Is Jeffrey Donovan Doing Now in 2026?
Jeffrey Donovan has continued working in film and television. His 2026 credits include several different types of productions.
The Cycle (2026)
In The Cycle, Donovan plays Marks, a veteran detective. The horror thriller was directed by Jordan Downey and also stars Deborah Ann Woll. It became available on Shudder on October 23, 2026.
In interviews around the release, Donovan discussed developing Marks as a character and working with the film’s director. He was also asked about the possibility of returning as Steve Forsing in Sicario 3. His answer was that he had not received a call but hoped to be involved.
Wardriver (2026)
Donovan is listed as playing Bilson in the 2026 film Wardriver. The title appears among his 2026 screen credits in entertainment databases.
The Faithful: Women of the Bible (2026)
Donovan also appears in The Faithful: Women of the Bible as Abraham. The television miniseries explores stories involving women from the Bible, with Donovan credited in three episodes.
Will Jeffrey Donovan Return for Sicario 3?
Donovan has expressed interest in reprising Steve Forsing, the character he played in the first two Sicario films. However, in an October 2026 interview, he said he had not been contacted about returning.
His possible involvement remains unconfirmed. Until the filmmakers or production company announce the cast, it would be inaccurate to list him as a confirmed member of Sicario 3.
Where Does Jeffrey Donovan Live?
Donovan has spoken publicly about living in Colorado with his family. In a March 2026 interview, he explained that he moved away from Los Angeles after meeting his wife, who is from Colorado, and that he enjoys raising his children there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeffrey Donovan
How old is Jeffrey Donovan?
Jeffrey Donovan was born on May 11, 1968. He is 58 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Jeffrey Donovan?
His IMDb biography lists his height as 5 feet 11½ inches (1.82 metres).
Who is Jeffrey Donovan’s wife?
Jeffrey Donovan’s wife is Michelle Woods. They married on August 25, 2012.
How many children does Jeffrey Donovan have?
Jeffrey Donovan and Michelle Woods have three children.
What is Jeffrey Donovan famous for?
He is widely recognised for playing Michael Westen in Burn Notice. Other notable roles include Dodd Gerhardt in Fargo, Steve Forsing in Sicario, and Frank Cosgrove in Law & Order.
What is Jeffrey Donovan’s estimated net worth?
Celebrity Net Worth estimates his net worth at around $10 million. This is an unofficial estimate, not a publicly verified financial figure. Celebrity Net Worth
What role did Jeffrey Donovan play in Sicario?
He played Steve Forsing in Sicario (2015) and Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018).
Why did Jeffrey Donovan leave Law & Order?
Reports said he left before season 23 for creative reasons. The show later explained that Detective Frank Cosgrove had left after getting into trouble over his honesty.
Does Jeffrey Donovan play Machine Head in Invincible?
Yes. Donovan voices Machine Head in the animated series Invincible. His credited appearances include episodes released in 2021, 2025, and 2026.
Will Jeffrey Donovan appear in Sicario 3?
His return has not been confirmed. Donovan said in an October 2026 interview that he had not received a call about the film but hoped to reprise his role.
