Jeffrey Donovan was born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, son to single mother Nancy Matthews. Nancy raised him and two of his brothers, while having trouble financially supporting herself and her family. They were reportedly living on welfare, had trouble paying electric bills, and often moved to a new residence. Donovan estimated that they moved 10 times during his childhood. He and his brothers were taught to live frugally. A female teacher called Patricia Hoyt served as Donovan's mentor and helped him establish a drama club. With her help, Donovan received a private scholarship that allowed him to continue his studies. Donovan started his college years in Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He later transferred to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, from where he eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in drama. He continued his studies at the Tisch School of the Arts in New York City. from where he graduated with a Master of Fine Arts. During his college years, Donovan took an interest in martial arts. He initially took lessons in Shotokan karate, where he eventually earned a black belt. He later also took lessons in aikido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Donovan had his first film and television roles in 1995, but he mostly played minor parts. His first major role on television was main character David Creegan in the crime drama series "Touching Evil" . The premise is that Haverford is a professional con artist, posing as a fortune teller and psychic. But he starts experiencing genuine visions, and his life is changing.
Currently lives in Denver, Colorado.
Enjoys gardening and golf.
Graduated from Amesbury High School in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Attended University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts. Graduated from New York Universitys Graduate Acting Program, where he received an MFA.
Has admitted in interviews that he grew up very poor.
Has studied martial arts for over twenty years and has a black belt in Shotokan karate. Has six years of experience in Brazilian jujitsu and Aikido, and is a certified SCUBA diver.
He has Irish, Scottish, and French-Canadian ancestry. His maternal grandparents were born in Canada; his grandfather was from Prince Edward Island, and his grandmother was from Tracadie, New Brunswick.
Plays "Michael Westen" on "Burn Notice" , performed with actor Michael Weston in Final Draft .
A big fan of the Boston Red Sox.
Engaged to model Michelle Woods [June 25, 2012].
Jeffrey and his wife, Michelle Woods, became the parents of their first child, a daughter [December 18, 2012].
(May 2009) In Amesbury, Massachusetts receiving an award at his former high school, Amesbury High.
His uncle, Don Matthews, worked as a coach in the CFL (Canadian Football League). Don was the brother of Jeffreys mother, Nancy Matthews.
He and Michelle have 3 children: Girl (Claire, 2012), Boy (Lucas, 2014), Girl.
(2004).
