Burn Notice Cast: Main Actors, Characters & Guest Stars
Meet the Burn Notice cast, from Jeffrey Donovan’s Michael Westen to Coby Bell’s Jesse Porter, plus recurring actors, the Sam Axe movie and FAQs.
The main Burn Notice cast is 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. Bell joins from season 4; the other four lead the series from the beginning.
This guide separates the main actors, recurring characters and the cast of the Sam Axe prequel so you can place a familiar face without reading a plot summary of the finale.
Burn Notice cast and character table
| Actor | Character | Main-cast seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Donovan | Michael Westen | 1–7 |
| Gabrielle Anwar | Fiona Glenanne | 1–7 |
| Bruce Campbell | Sam Axe | 1–7 |
| Sharon Gless | Madeline Westen | 1–7 |
| Coby Bell | Jesse Porter | 4–7 |
Cast references: TV Guide’s cast directory and the season 4 cast record.
Who plays Michael Westen?
Jeffrey Donovan plays Michael Westen, the blacklisted spy trying to discover who ended his career. His narration explains the plan while his changing cover identities supply much of the show’s humor. Michael is capable in a crisis but often much less comfortable dealing honestly with the people closest to him.
Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona Glenanne
Fiona is Michael’s former partner and romantic interest, with skills and opinions of her own. Her willingness to challenge Michael makes her more than a supporting voice in his plans. Anwar’s character brings both conflict and loyalty to the team.
Bruce Campbell as Sam Axe
Sam is Michael’s longtime friend and a former Navy SEAL. Campbell supplies the relaxed delivery that balances Michael’s intensity. USA Network’s Sam Axe feature also explains his recurring cover name, Chuck Finley.
Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen
Madeline is Michael’s mother. Their relationship gives the spy story a family dimension: going home means facing the people who remember you before your professional identity took over.
The Television Academy records Gless’s 2010 supporting-actress Emmy nomination for the role. In her Academy interview, she discusses Madeline’s contradictions and love for her sons.
Coby Bell as Jesse Porter
Jesse joins the main cast in season 4. He is another intelligence professional whose career is damaged, bringing a new problem of trust into Michael’s circle. That change is why photos from early seasons show four principal stars while later ensemble images include Bell.
Recurring actors and recognizable guest roles
These are recurring or supporting roles, rather than the five principal leads. TV Guide lists the actor-character pairings.
- Seth Peterson: Nate Westen, Michael’s brother.
- Paul Tei: Barry.
- Tricia Helfer: Carla.
- Jere Burns: Anson Fullerton.
- Lauren Stamile: Agent Pearce.
- John C. McGinley: Tom Card.
- Alona Tal: Sonya.
- Jack Coleman: Andrew Strong.
Credit correction: Tom Card is played by John C. McGinley. The earlier version of this page incorrectly assigned that role to Danny Pino.
The Fall of Sam Axe: which cast is in the movie?
Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe is a 2011 prequel centered on Bruce Campbell’s character. USA Network confirms Pedro Pascal plays Commandante Veracruz and that the movie aired ahead of the series’ fifth season. Pascal’s credit belongs to that movie, not to the regular ensemble.
How many seasons of Burn Notice are there?
The series ran for seven seasons, from 2007 through 2013, on USA Network. The network’s series overview describes its Miami setting and the mix of individual cases with Michael’s longer search for answers.
For a first watch, starting with season 1 makes the changing relationships easier to follow. Save the Sam Axe movie for around the break before season 5 if you want to follow its original release order.
A parent’s perspective on watching with teens
The appeal is often the team working through a problem under pressure. A useful conversation is about the decisions underneath the action: when does loyalty help a friend, and when does it enable a bad choice?
If you enjoy clever plans and undercover teamwork, explore the Ocean’s Eleven cast and characters.
That does not make the show suitable for every child. Preview episodes, check the rating on your service and treat the improvised gadgets and schemes as television fiction. The entertainment value comes from watching the characters improvise—not trying their methods at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Jeffrey Donovan’s wife on Burn Notice?
The earlier claim that Michelle Woods appeared in season 6, episode 8 could not be verified from the credit sources checked for this update. It should not be treated as a confirmed cameo.
Who are the main Burn Notice actors?
Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell and Sharon Gless are the original leads. Coby Bell joins the main cast as Jesse Porter from season 4.
How many seasons are there?
Burn Notice ran for seven seasons from 2007 to 2013. The 2011 movie The Fall of Sam Axe is a separate prequel.
Is Burn Notice good for a family watch?
It may suit some teens, but gun violence, threats and adult storylines call for parental judgment. Check the episode rating and preview it for your own family.
Is the spycraft realistic?
Burn Notice is scripted entertainment. Treat its schemes and improvised devices as fiction, not instructions to copy.
Who plays Michael Westen’s mother?
Sharon Gless plays Madeline Westen, Michael’s mother.
Who plays Tom Card on Burn Notice?
John C. McGinley plays Tom Card.
Is Pedro Pascal in Burn Notice?
Pedro Pascal plays Commandante Veracruz in the 2011 prequel movie Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe. He is not one of the series’ core five leads.
More actor and character guides
For another ensemble cast reference, see our Night at the Museum cast guide. For the family relationship at the center of an animated movie, read about Flint Lockwood’s dad, Tim.
