Actor Jeffrey Donovan has chosen Colorado as his permanent home, leaving behind the entertainment industry hub of Los Angeles in favor of the Rocky Mountain state's lifestyle and family-friendly environment.
The 57-year-old actor, known for his starring role in the television series Burn Notice and his performance in the film Sicario, relocated to Colorado after marrying Michelle Woods, a Colorado native, in 2012. The couple is raising their three children—Claire, Lucas, and Ethan—in the state.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Donovan explained his connection to the state began during his courtship with Woods. The relationship quickly evolved into a deep appreciation for Colorado itself, leading to a permanent commitment to the region.
"I met my future wife while I was finishing a job, and she was from Colorado, and once I started visiting there, I never stopped," Donovan stated. "It's an incredible state, and I'm raising my children there, and we're never leaving."
The actor emphasized the advantages of raising children in Colorado compared to the challenges of parenting in Los Angeles. He described the state as offering a more manageable environment for family life, which aligns with his approach to parenting.
"I find it less challenging in Colorado, which plays to my talent level of raising kids," Donovan remarked. "If it's not hard raising kids in Colorado, then that's where I wanna be."
Beyond the family benefits, Donovan highlighted Colorado's natural advantages, particularly its abundant sunshine and overall climate. He challenged common perceptions about the state's weather patterns.
"Colorado, secretly, is the sunshine state," Donovan explained. "It's a beautiful part of the country that gets more sunshine than maybe even Arizona and New Mexico. It's incredible. So that's why we're there. And it's really healthy living."
Donovan's decision reflects a broader trend among entertainment industry professionals seeking alternative lifestyles outside traditional Hollywood centers. Several prominent actors have made similar relocations in recent years, citing various motivations including family considerations, lifestyle preferences, and the flexibility afforded by modern production schedules.
Actor Tom Welling relocated to North Carolina following the COVID-19 pandemic, describing Los Angeles during that period as restrictive and unsuitable for his growing family. Welling now operates a horse breeding operation with his wife, describing the experience as peaceful and authentic.
Ty Burrell, who starred in Modern Family, moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, immediately after the series concluded. He characterized the transition as spectacular and expressed no regrets about leaving Los Angeles, particularly regarding the benefits for his children.
Ariel Winter, who appeared alongside Burrell in Modern Family, also departed Los Angeles, citing negative associations with the city and a desire to experience life elsewhere while young. She noted that actors no longer require permanent Los Angeles residence unless actively working on network productions filmed there.
The migration of established entertainment professionals to states like Colorado represents a significant shift in residential patterns within the industry. These relocations underscore changing priorities among actors and other creative professionals, who increasingly value quality of life, family stability, and natural environments over proximity to traditional production centers.
For Colorado, the arrival of high-profile residents like Donovan highlights the state's appeal beyond its traditional reputation for outdoor recreation and natural beauty. The actor's enthusiastic endorsement of Colorado as a family destination and permanent home may further enhance the state's profile among those considering similar relocations.