If you love stylish spy capers with dashes of dad-level DIY, Burn Notice still hits. The USA Network classic follows ex-operative Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) as he MacGyvers his way through Miami with Fiona Glenanne (Gabrielle Anwar), Sam Axe (Bruce Campbell), Madeline Westen (Sharon Gless), and later Jesse Porter (Coby Bell). This quick guide recaps the cast of Burn Notice, the characters they play, and a few “where are they now” notes—plus an answer to a fan-favorite question: was Jeffrey Donovan’s wife on Burn Notice? Stick around for a concise FAQ and legit sources so you can settle arguments faster than Michael can build a tracker out of a flip phone and duct tape.

Key Takeaways

  • The cast of Burn Notice includes Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen, Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona Glenanne, Bruce Campbell as Sam Axe, Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen, and Coby Bell as Jesse Porter.
  • Burn Notice combines stylish spy capers with engaging character dynamics and clever problem-solving that appeals to a wide audience.
  • Fans enjoy rewatching memorable moments like Jesse's arrival, Michael's homemade gadgets, and Fiona's explosive entries.
  • The show features a mix of humor and heart, making it both clever and endlessly rewatchable for fans of spy dramas.
  • Jeffrey Donovan's real-life wife, Michelle Woods, appears in Season 6, Episode 8, adding a fun Easter egg for devoted viewers.
Get to know the Cast of Burn Notice on Hulu and Amazon

Table of contents

Why Burn Notice Still Works

If you like MacGyver-style problem solving with duct tape, magnets, and a good plan B, this show delivers. The voice-over spy lessons make the action easy to follow, while the chemistry between the team keeps the heart of the story intact. It’s a comfort binge with enough stakes to keep you pressing “Next Episode.”

burn notice cast

Cast of Burn Notice (core five)

Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen

Ex-spy. Burned. Resourceful to a fault. Michael is the narration and the toolbox, turning household items into trackers, breaching charges, and distractions. Donovan’s dry delivery is half the fun; his stunt and fight work sells the “I’ve done this before” vibe.

Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona Glenanne

Explosives expert, former IRA operative, and Michael’s off-and-on love. Fiona prefers persuasion via C-4, but her moral compass is true north. Anwar gives the role steel, style, and that eyebrow that says “we’re doing it my way.”

Bruce Campbell as Sam Axe

Retired Navy SEAL with a legendary contact list and a soft spot for mojitos. Campbell’s timing is immaculate; Sam’s the guy who “knows a guy,” then calls three more guys.

Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen

Michael’s cigarette-wielding, no-nonsense mom. She’s a heart anchor and the show’s secret weapon—equal parts tough love and “I raised a spy; I can handle this.”

Coby Bell as Jesse Porter (from Season 4)

Competent, principled, and a perfect foil for Michael. Jesse adds a new gear to the team dynamic: loyalty tested, family expanded.

Important Recurring & Notable Guest Stars

  • Jay Karnes as Brennan – Smiling menace with chess-board patience.
  • Jere Burns as Anson Fullerton – A quietly terrifying puppeteer from Michael’s past.
  • Taryn Manning as Ruth – A memorable client in over her head.
  • Tricia Helfer as Carla – Ice-cold handler with impossible assignments.
  • Alona Tal as Sonya – A catalyst in the endgame arc.
  • Danny Pino as Tom Card – Mentor turned… complicated.
  • Patton Oswalt (guest) – Scene-stealing comic relief in a world of grim fixers.
burn notice cast

Quick Facts About Burn Notice

  • Run: 7 seasons, 111 episodes, plus the 2011 TV movie “The Fall of Sam Axe.”
  • Creator: Matt Nix
  • Original Network: USA Network (2007–2013)
  • Core Cast: Jeffrey Donovan (Michael Westen), Gabrielle Anwar (Fiona Glenanne), Bruce Campbell (Sam Axe), Sharon Gless (Madeline Westen), Coby Bell (Jesse Porter)
  • Style & Tone: Case-of-the-week + slow-burn mythology; voice-over “how-to” spycraft; sun-bleached Miami noir vibe
  • Where to Watch (U.S.): Rotates on major streamers; widely available for digital purchase (full seasons and bundles)
  • Content Note: TV-14–style action (fights, gunplay, controlled explosions); lighter on gore; lots of problem-solving beats
  • Great for Fans of: Leverage, Psych, MacGyver, heists, and DIY spycraft

Fan-Favorite Moments to Rewatch

Jesse’s arrival: Trust, betrayal, and a bigger team with new skills.

Homemade gadgets: Michael’s improvised gear (magnets, batteries, burn phones).

Fiona’s entries: Doors are optional when you carry det cord.

Sam’s favors: “I know a guy” becomes a mission plan.

Madeline’s growth: From worried mom to willing accomplice—with boundaries.

Dad-to-Dad: Why this show clicks

Teachable beats: Problem → plan → improvisation → consequence. (Your kids will start spotting “the angle.”)

Resourcefulness over gore: It’s about thinking your way out.

Team > Lone wolf: The wins are cooperative, not superhero.

Cast of Burn Notice - Awards and Accolades

Jeffrey Donovan (Michael Westen)

Actor/director with a flair for physical roles and dry humor. Brings a lived-in feel to tradecraft and leadership.

Awards & notes: Teen Choice Award nominations for Burn Notice; later starred in NBC’s Law & Order revival.

Gabrielle Anwar (Fiona Glenanne)

Sharp, stylish, and explosive—literally. Anwar gives Fiona the most quotable lines and the fiercest stare-downs.

Awards & notes: Genre award recognition during the show’s run (including a Saturn nomination); notable work in The Tudors.

Bruce Campbell (Sam Axe)

Cult-favorite legend. Sam’s easygoing swagger keeps the team grounded—and the bar stocked.

Awards & notes: Saturn Award winner for Ash vs Evil Dead; multiple fan and critics’ accolades across his career.

Sharon Gless (Madeline Westen)

Emmy and Golden Globe-winning presence. Madeline’s arc from anxious mom to crucial collaborator is pure TV comfort food.

Awards & notes: Multiple Primetime Emmys and Golden Globes for Cagney & Lacey; later Emmy-nominated for Burn Notice.

Coby Bell (Jesse Porter)

Adds moral clarity and fresh tactics. Jesse helps the team grow up without losing its edge.

Awards & notes: Recognized for ensemble work on Third Watch; subsequent leads in The Game and Walker.

Quotes from the Cast of Burn Notice

  • “My name is Michael Westen. I used to be a spy.” — Michael
  • “When you’re burned, you’re not fired—you’re just not useful anymore.” — Michael
  • “You know spies… bunch of bitchy little girls.” — Sam
  • “If you can’t be smart, be loud.” — Sam
  • “A trigger, a blasting cap, and some C-4—that’s not overkill, that’s planning.” — Fiona
  • “I don’t like guns… I love them.” — Fiona
  • “Mothers don’t ask for the truth—they deserve it.” — Madeline
  • “The thing about being a spy is you always have a plan… and a backup plan.” — Michael
  • “Never waste a good cover—and never forget where the exits are.” — Michael
  • “Family is messy. Do it anyway.” — Madeline

Cast of Burn Notice - FAQ

Was Jeffrey Donovan’s wife on Burn Notice?

Yes. Jeffrey Donovan’s real-life wife, Michelle Woods, appears in Season 6, Episode 8, “Unchained” (2012). It’s a fun Easter egg for fans scanning the credits.  Who are the main Burn Notice actors?

Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, Sharon Gless, and Coby Bell headline the ensemble, with standout recurring villains and allies throughout the run.  How many seasons are there?

Seven seasons (2007–2013), plus the TV movie The Fall of Sam Axe (2011).  Is Burn Notice good for a family watch?

It’s TV-14 style action: fistfights, gunplay, and explosions, but relatively blood-light and big on “how it’s done” explanations. For teens who like heists and gadgets, it’s a hit—parental discretion recommended.  Is the spycraft realistic?

It’s “TV-believable.” Real tactics inspire the show, then the writers turn the dial to “fun.” The voice-over safety notes are part of the charm.

Conclusion: The Cast That Makes the Mission Work

Burn Notice still lands because it’s equal parts brain, banter, and found-family grit. Michael talks you through the plan, Fiona brings the boom, Sam “knows a guy,” Madeline keeps everyone honest, and Jesse adds heart and hustle. It’s clever without being grim—and that makes it endlessly rewatchable.

Call to action: Rewatch a favorite episode this week and drop your top moment in the comments—bonus points for a MacGyver-style fix or a Sam Axe zinger. If this cast guide helped, share it with a fellow fan or pin it for later. And tell me: which show’s cast should I deep-dive next?