Sexy Spy
Jul 26, 2008 Interview
Burn Notice’s Jeffrey Donovan chats to TV WEEK about being a super-spy
Where do the Burn Notice writers get all their information about spies?
The head writer has contact with a certain operative in the field. I don’t know what agency he works for, whether it’s American or foreign. They go over stuff that will be practical and used in conducting cases. He’ll learn all that stuff and then apply it to the show. But there’s also a lot of stuff out there that you can read. I’ve read a few spy manuals and it’s really interesting what you can get your hands on at the library.
Do you ever try to follow people without them noticing or elude people who are following you?
Yeah, I’ve been doing that since before I got the show. [Laughs.] No, it definitely gives you a sense of how paranoid these people must be. One of the things I learned [about spies] is you can never make new friends unless you are the person who initiates it. All the people who come up to you, you can’t be friends with because you never know what their agenda is. But if you go up to someone, that’s OK. That limits a lot of social life. It’s a neat character but someone I wouldn’t want to be in real life.
As a celebrity, you’re kind of in the same situation, aren’t you? You have strange people wanting to come up and talk to you…
I was walking in Beverly Hills today and I was on the sidewalk going to my car. This woman was walking next to me and this man jumped out of an SUV in front of us. I thought I was going to get mugged, but he started taking photos and I looked at the woman and said, “Is he taking photos of you?” and she said, “No, he’s taking photos of you!” [Laughs.] So listen, I couldn’t tell if someone was following me. He could have shot me! I’m not used to being followed or spied on, and as far as being a celebrity goes, it’s not something I know firsthand about.
Do a lot of women introduce themselves to you?
When you’re in LA, people don’t approach you because it’s filled with actors and directors and wannabes. You’re really not approached by women or anybody. If you go to the Midwest or anywhere outside of New York or LA, they’re much more enamoured by you and people will come up and say they love the show and stuff like that. But I’m never really bothered, to be honest with you. And I like it that way. If I am bothered, it’s always, “I love your show.” It’s a real compliment to all of us. They don’t say, “Hey, I love you, Jeff Donovan.” They say, “I love your show.” That’s more important because I want to do other things down the road. I don’t want to be Magnum PI. I don’t want them saying, “Hey Michael Westen!” I’d rather just be seen as an actor in a really good show.
I suppose it’s preferable to be known for one character that everyone loved than not at all…
I agree. If it’s feast or famine, I’d rather pick feast, but James Gandolfini is forever going to be known as Tony Soprano. When he walks into a restaurant, it’s, “Hey Tony,” but it’s not. His name is James. I’d rather people just say, “I love your show” and forget who I am. [Laughs.]
Are you married? Single?
I have a girlfriend and she’s lovely.
How do you think she’ll cope with the increasing attention?
We don’t live together and we live outside of LA. No one knows who I am. No one bothers me or us, so it’s very infrequent that anybody has to worry about anything.
And of course, if they do, you know how to elude them….
Yes, I just call the writer and ask him, “How do I get out of this situation? Write a scene for me and then I’ll be able to get out of it.”
Finally, how do you feel about yoghurt?
[Laughs.] I love yoghurt, but I wouldn’t eat it as much as he [Michael] does!
Does Michael eat anything else?
I don’t know. I’ve never seen him eat anything else. We’ll see. He’ll have to change his diet. I don’t even know why that became such a fascination, but I just think it’s funny.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I am a new fan of the show, didnt get to see season 1!! No cable =( But now I am hooked!! Great job, brilliantly writen, and Jeff, you play your character perfectly!! Love the show! xoxoxo-Stephanie
July 31st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I love the show, and am a definite fan. Please keep the new episodes coming, cause there’s not a lot of good shows worth watching on tv anymore. Jeff, your character is awesome, and the three of you make a great team.
Terry
July 31st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Theres an episode on 1 season that he eats chips - roasted potato with his brother, the one where 2 brothers “kidnap” a girl and they kidnap one of brothers ^^
btw you are an excellent actor, other day i saw a special participation on CSI miami! I was totally cheering for you, even knowing u was a bad guy ^^
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
Well for one I love michael he is so hott n dangerous! Heehee but the show is really great it has enough action but not too much its a great show! I really hope it doesn’t go away! N I love it is set in miami!!
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Burn Notice is the best thing on TV right now …. I was sad when Silk Stalkings ended, but this show more than made up for it!
August 4th, 2008 at 2:07 am
Jeff,
I’ve been a huge fan from day one, when I saw you on an episode of “Monk”.
Am Thrilled you now have your own show (which I totally LOVE…as well as all your cast members).
Have been watching BURN NOTICE since day one, season one.
Very cool show and YOU are an incredible actor!
The way you slide right into another accent–(especially the southerns’–since they are all different)— is amazing.
I don’t know anything about you, but you are obviously well trained.
I am thrilled for your success, and I never miss an episode…even the reruns
The only thing that totally annoys me is that I just found out that my very ex-boyfriend, who was transfered to Miami a year ago, has actually met you and most of your cast and crew (apparently you like his dog, Scotty), when ya’ll hang at a certain bar on Friday), and he’s never even SEEN your show. Didn’t even know who you were until someone told him.
Sigh….Life just isn’t fair.
He gets to meet you….but has no idea who you are.
Moi? I’ll never get the chance.
Oh well,,,such is life
–Tedi Balliett
August 5th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
love your show! its one hot package! action romance and a lil comedy! michael and fiona are one hot couple. hope they get back together. me and my hubby have been watching your show since day one and we are looking forward to watching it every thursday. btw, now im excited to see ur film with angelina jolie.
August 9th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Hi! Thanks for that link,what a great interview.I think Jeffrey Donovan is a brilliant actor,he’s always really great fun to watch.
Thanks also very much for your website,it’s incredible!
August 28th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Jeff, Love your show. I really like your commentary about everything before a sceen. Otherwise, how would we know what a spy is about to do and why? Oh yes!! We men love your show also.
September 28th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Jeff, I love your show and you!! You are such a cutie!! I watch Burn Notice 24 - 7!! I haven’t missed an episode and I even force my roomates to watch it!! I went to the movies last night and saw the previews for your new movie and happy birthday to me because that releases on my bday!! I’m so excited for the next season and to see what happens…. o and tell your writers never to end with to be continued again!! I can’t handle the suspense!! geez Anyway love you and burn notice!!
October 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
the last 2 questions killed me xD
i can’t wait to see next episodes of the ‘burn notice’. this is absolutely fantastic thing!
November 19th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Jeff to you and the rest of the burn notice team thanks for a great and entertaining show, something fresh to watch greetings from south africa cape town