Jeffrey Donovan Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Discover Jeffrey Donovan’s net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in this detailed profile of his career, personal life and legacy.

Jeffrey Donovan Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Jeffrey Donovan Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jeffrey Donovan Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jeffrey Donovan is an American actor and filmmaker best known for his breakout role as Michael Westen on Burn Notice, whose considerable screen presence has translated into a multi-million-dollar career.

Introduction

Jeffrey Donovan was born May 11, 1968, and celebrates his birthday on May 11. With an estimated net worth of around $10 million, he has carved a steady career in film and television.  He is married to model-actress Michelle Woods, and their relationship and family life have become part of his story beyond the screen.

Quick Facts

Category Details
Full Name Jeffrey T. Donovan 
Age/Birthdate May 11, 1968 
Birthday May 11 
Nationality American 
Profession Actor, Producer, Director 
Estimated Net Worth ~$10 million 
Relationship Status Married to Michelle Woods 
Known For Leading role on Burn Notice, film work (Changeling, J. Edgar), TV & stage performances 

Casting Off Humble Beginnings

Raised in Amesbury, Massachusetts by his mother Nancy Matthews after his father’s departure, Donovan emerged from modest circumstances to build a career in acting.  He trained at the University of Massachusetts and later earned an MFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. 

His early work spanned guest-spots on established series, stage roles, and independent film appearances. The key turning point came in 2007, when he was cast as Michael Westen on the television series Burn Notice. Over seven seasons, the show blended espionage, drama and style — and it became the platform that elevated Donovan’s profile. 

Defining moments in Jeffrey Donovan’s journey include:

  • Earning an MFA and pivoting from humble origins to trained performer.

  • Landing the lead in Burn Notice, which became his signature role.

  • Transitioning from TV into high-profile film roles (e.g., Changeling, J. Edgar) and directing episodes of his own show. 

  • Diversifying into producing and stage work, which added depth and longevity to his career.

The Core Pillars of His Wealth

The core pillars of Jeffrey Donovan’s wealth include:

Source Description
Television lead role income His role in Burn Notice commanded significant per-episode earnings, reportedly around $125,000–$150,000 per episode under a raise deal. 
Film appearances Supporting roles in major films added to his income and visibility.
Producing & directing credits Taking on behind-the-camera work expanded his revenue beyond acting fees.
Real estate transactions He sold a Miami condo for about $2.55 million, reflecting investment in property. 

Jeffrey Donovan’s Relationships & Family Life

Donovan’s private life has remained largely grounded and consistent. He married Michelle Woods in 2012.  The couple shares three children: a daughter born in December 2012, a son in 2014, and a younger daughter in 2017. 

Key insights into Jeffrey Donovan’s relationships and personal life:

  • Marriage to Michelle Woods aligns with his shift from TV star to family man.

  • Despite fame, he maintains a relatively low-profile personal sphere, avoiding media drama.

  • He has spoken about the influence of his mother and upbringing on his work and character — drawing parallels between his roles and personal history. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Jeffrey Donovan leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

  • Real estate investment: He and his family once owned a South Beach condo which he sold for around $2.55 million, highlighting his business acumen in the property market. 

  • Martial arts background: He holds a black belt in Shotokan karate, and has trained in aikido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 

  • Philanthropy: Early in his career he established a $100,000 arts scholarship program at his former high school and supported spinal-cord injury charities. 

  • Balance of family and work: He has discussed the challenge of maintaining family life while working long hours on television and film sets. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

How the figure of ~$10 million is evaluated: The estimate comes from CelebrityNetWorth, TheRichest, and media listings. 

Category Estimated Value Source
Television lead earnings ~$6–7 million Inferred from per-episode deals and show run
Film roles & residuals ~$2–3 million Box office and credits
Real estate & other assets ~$1–2 million Sale of Miami condo & property holdings
Total Estimate ~$10 million CelebrityNetWorth etc.

It is worth noting that while $10 million is modest by A-list standards, Donovan’s earnings reflect consistent work and diversified sources rather than a brief peak. His active career span and transition into directing and producing suggest the figure may evolve upward over time.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Jeffrey Donovan is widely regarded as a solid, professional actor whose career has avoided major scandal and volatility. In the entertainment industry, he is respected for his discipline, versatility and stamina—leading a major TV series, branching into films and taking creative control behind the camera.

His public image is one of the “working actor” who invests in craft, rather than chasing tabloid buzz. Among fans of Burn Notice, his character Michael Westen remains iconic, and he retains a loyal base. His philanthropic efforts and commitment to martial arts training add dimensions to his persona.

In terms of legacy, Donovan embodies the model of an actor who leveraged a breakout television role into a sustained, diversified career. While he may not dominate headline glamour, his influence lies in demonstrating longevity and craftcraft-driven success.

Conclusion

From his May 11 birthday in Amesbury, Massachusetts, to building a career that has yielded an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million, Jeffrey Donovan’s journey is one of steady ascent. His marriage to Michelle Woods and their three children anchor his personal life; his evolution from actor to producer directs his professional narrative. Whether leading on screen, practicing martial arts, or quietly pursuing philanthropy, Donovan’s story underscores that success in Hollywood can be both sustainable and understated. For those following his path, this is a legacy of dependability, talent, and quiet accomplishment.