Tate Donovan was born Tate Buckley Donovan on September 25, 1963 in Tenafly, New Jersey. Donovan moved to Los Angeles and attended USC where he met several fellow actors like Grant Heslov and George Clooney, who have become his longtime friends. His big break came in 1990 when he was cast as a charismatic but self-centered co-pilot in the memorable period film, Memphis Belle. Donovan is also a talented musician who plays the fiddle and the hand-held Irish drum, the bodhran. He also belongs to a band called The Decadents and their CD is entitled “Wake Amusements”.

Tom Shayes, played by Tate Donovan on Damages, is Patty Hewes right-hand man and trusted senior associate at Hewes & Associates.


(Photo courtesy of FX)