It’s been a case of burnout for “Burn Notice” star Jeffrey Donovan. He admits the grueling work pace of his hit USA Network series has left him feeling so exhausted that changes must be made. “We start production of Season 4 in March, and they’re going to try to diminish my presence in the show. It’s been 95 percent. They’re going to try to get it down to 80 percent,” reports the affable star.
The action comedy-drama, in which he plays disenfranchised government spy Michael Westen, returns for the second half of its third season Jan. 21, with an episode that has his series mom, Sharon Gless, working with her former “Cagney & Lacey” cohort, Tyne Daly.
With all of Season 3 in the can, Donovan says, “I worked the last two hiatuses, and I was worn out. So instead of going after jobs this hiatus, I’m starting to develop projects myself, working with writers.”
Donovan also spent some hiatus time “visiting troops in Iraq with Bruce,” he says, referring to cast mate Bruce Campbell. “It was an amazing experience, meeting these soldiers. On the way back, we visited Walter Reed (Army hospital), talked to soldiers who’d been injured, who’d lost limbs — it was just heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking. It took every bit of strength I had not to lose it. Not because I felt sorry for them, but because of their courage. One thing they all said was that they felt bad they weren’t back there helping their friends.”
As far as what’s coming up on the show, Donovan says that “Burn Notice” fans can expect lots of big changes. As far as complaints: “The ratings are great and I know the network is very happy — but the show doesn’t get the accolades it should. I’m not talking about my performance at all,” he insists, “but the writing on the show. The writers do such an amazing job. And I think Sharon should get every award for her work.”
Source: Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith
22 Responses to “Donovan Wants Some Relief from ‘Burn Notice’”
With all due respect, how can USA complain that Burn Notice does not get the accolades it deserves when they limit the show (marathons) to when everyone is at work or the episodes are on late at night? This is the first season when Burn Notice was on a whole hour earlier at a reasonable time. And then there are the huge gaps between seasons where months go by with absolutely no mention of the show at all. If USA promoted the show 10% as much as they promote Law & Order SVU and other series reruns they would be getting the recognition for the show they want. My friends and I love Burn Notice but we too are extremely disappointed at the way the show is doled out in meager offerings. How about a rerun of a couple of episodes once a week from the beginning? You can’t get the audience and industry acclaim if you are not showing and promoting your product. It’s up to you USA, what’s it going to be?
You know, the more I think about it, I don’t know that I would even notice a drop from 95% to 80%. Right now we’re talking about seeing Michael in 19 out of every 20 scenes. If it suddenly drops to 16 out of every 20, would I have noticed without reading this article?
Honestly? Probably not. I think it’s better to do it this way than to have Donovan TRULY get burned out and run the risk of him not renewing his contract.
Hi Jeff,
, keep the funny narrations up in BN and PLEASE TWEET MORE!!
Will my begging stop you from dropping your appearance rate on the show? lol I agree with Diane below me, u guys and the show does not get as much publicity as it should. I mean, most of my friends on facebook dont know what burn notice is…i mean are they living under a rock? just ridiculous.
Anywayz…aside from your personal projects Jeff, would you consider applying for the next James Bond, I mean u got the Russian, Irish and Texan (lol) accents down pat, so the british accent should be a breeze for ya. You are already used to the gruelling workout schedule it takes to act like an operative and the James Bond franchise is global so you’ll get the exposure you SOO deserve.
Just want to wish you all the best Jeff
Huge fan,
Dapo
I understand about the stress of working and it must be hard on the body to be doing all of the stunts he has done, but I think it would not be the same if he was not in the show as much, the show is about Michael Westin, his quests, his family, his friends and relationships. Without Michael it becomes a show about 3 Rogue people doing good, that is another show. I say take the breaks when offered, rest and have a little fun, cut back in one or two shows. If he wants to do more movie rolls, go for it, just less action, or let your stuntman do it for you. As for the awards and mentions, well I blame USA Network, I hardly ever see them promoting BN, they save the money and spend it on the less seen shows or new ones coming out. You have to be seen. They are also up against big shows on other networks. USA has to get the faces out there. Why is it you never see or hardly ever see USA stars on talk shows, get them out there, not just comic con, lets go. Start the Burn….get the faces out there. Do not rely on the fans, we are strong but tv is stronger, get the names and faces to the other millions of people. Jeff is a great actor and makes every character he plays seem so real, as if that is him. He should do more. Lets give him a chance to shine.
Jeffrey Donovan would make an excellent Derek Flint if Fox decides to remake the James Coburn films.
Considering Hollywood’s propensity for remaking classic films, 20th Century-Fox is likely to remake the Flint movies sometime in the future. James Coburn was a one of a kind, and clearly owned the role of Derek Flint when he was alive. It would have been terrific if he had made more Flint films, but alas, all we have are “Our Man Flint” and “In Like Flint.” I would like to recommend to Fox executives to consider Jeffrey Donovan, if the studio does decide to revive the Flint films. Donovan is cool and classy. He is tall like Coburn, not classically handsome but actually kind of rugged looking like Coburn. He also has a good sense of humor and is clearly a babe magnet. He also knows how to do the whole spy thing. Right now, Donovan plays Michael Westen on “Burn Notice,” a spy who has been burned by the Agency and must eek out a living as a gun for hire. I cannot think of another actor in Hollywood who could do Flint justice, except for Donovan. He’s not extremely well known, like Matt Damon or Ben Afleck, and could pull of the cool superspy that was Derek Flint. I hope Hollywood takes note. Donovan would make an excellent Flint.
Jeff,
I understand how hard the work can be, especially at your level of success. I’m sure the crew gets worn down too. Anytime you want to come to Los Angeles and engage in advanced Personal Training at my studio (privately) with me, I’ll help boot your endurance and recovery power, guaranteed….at no cost. Contact me when you’re able too for details about this. I have tools and techniques that few trainers have ever tried (or know of, yet). Trust me.
Jeff,
I understand how hard the work can be, especially at your level of success. I’m sure the crew gets worn down too. Anytime you want to come to Los Angeles and engage in advanced Personal Training at my studio (privately) with me, I’ll help boot your endurance and recovery power, guaranteed….at no cost. Contact me when you’re able too. I have tools and techniques that few have ever tried (or know of, yet). Trust me.
Love the show and can’t imagine not having something to look forward to on Thursday nights. Do what you need to JD, but remember that your fans love you!
I love Jeffrey but the show won’t be the same if he is in it less and frankly Hugh Laurie pulls way more hours on House so maybe he should just suck it up.
I can understand the grueling pace. I hope he gets the relief he is looking for. The writers and supporting cast is fantastic. They should be able to pull this off if the fans will understand and not go all negative with his fewer scenes. I can also understand how heartbreaking and tough it was to see those injured soldiers. It takes a special kind of person to be able to deal with that day in and day out. My hat comes off to all our services members, family of the them, and those in the thick of helping them. Thank you so much, Jeffrey and Bruce, for honoring them with your visit.