Trevor Donovan has become one of America's most recognizable faces in television and film, building an impressive career that spans modeling, acting, and philanthropy. The California-born star's journey from small-town beginnings to Hollywood success showcases the power of dedication and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Background
Born on October 11, 1978, in Mammoth Lakes, California, Trevor Donovan Neubauer grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. His upbringing in this outdoor paradise shaped his love for sports and adventure, particularly skiing, which he initially considered pursuing professionally.
The actor comes from a close-knit family with German-American heritage and has one younger brother named Jake Donovan, who serves in the U.S. military and works as a firefighter in Sacramento. Despite his public profile, Trevor has maintained privacy around his parents while remaining openly devoted to his family.
Breaking into Entertainment
Donovan's path to stardom began in the modeling world, where he worked with prestigious brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein, and Versace. His striking looks and 6'2" frame made him a natural fit for fashion campaigns, but his ambitions reached beyond the runway.
His acting career started with small roles, including a waiter appearance in the sitcom Quintuplets in 2004. He gained more substantial exposure playing Jeremy Horton on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives in 2007, honing his craft and preparing for his big break.
Rise to Fame with 90210
The turning point in Donovan's career came in 2009 when he joined the cast of the popular teen drama 90210 as Teddy Montgomery. His portrayal of the complex character—who eventually came out as gay—earned him widespread recognition and demonstrated his acting range.
Interestingly, Donovan had no idea his character would explore same-sex relationships when he initially took the role. He worked closely with directors to ensure Teddy's storyline felt authentic, later joking that the role unexpectedly attracted female fans who wanted to "change him back" to straight in real life.
His performance on 90210 from 2009 to 2013 opened doors to numerous other television opportunities, including appearances on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Melissa & Joey, Awkward, and Lucifer.
Hallmark and Great American Family Success
Following his 90210 success, Donovan became a familiar face in family-friendly entertainment, particularly through his work with Hallmark Channel. His charming presence and acting versatility made him a perfect fit for the network's holiday movies and romantic dramas.
Notable Hallmark films include USS Christmas (2020), Jingle Bell Princess (2021), Nantucket Noel (2021), and Prescription for Love (2019). In 2021, he announced his departure from Hallmark to sign a multi-picture deal with Great American Family, where he also serves as executive producer on some projects.
Recent film credits include The Engagement Plot, Wolf Hound, and Aloha with Love, all released in 2022. He's also been cast in the upcoming biographical film Reagan about the 40th U.S. president.
Hidden Talents and Personal Life
Beyond acting, Donovan is surprisingly multi-talented. He revealed his musical abilities in the movie Strawberry Summer, where he sang Easy Heart while playing guitar—marking his first time performing music on camera.
In 2022, he joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars season 31, partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater, showcasing his determination to master new challenges.
Despite his public career, Donovan keeps his personal life remarkably private. He has never been married and maintains that he is currently single. Past relationships include a three-year romance with Sonia Rockwell (2006-2009) and rumored connections with Kerry Kennedy and Paris Jackson.
The actor currently resides in California with his three dogs—Tito (a Bulldog), Shadow (a Golden Retriever), and Chance (a Labrador). His love for animals inspired his merchandise line CitizenK9, which offers products for dogs and their owners.
Philanthropy and Net Worth
Donovan has built an impressive net worth estimated at $18 million through his acting, modeling, and production work. He leverages his success to support various charitable causes, including the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights, Habitat for Humanity, and anti-bullying campaigns through Hallmark and the Ad Council.
His commitment to giving back demonstrates that his drive extends beyond professional accomplishments to making a positive impact in his community.
Continuing Evolution
At 47 years old (as of 2025), Trevor Donovan continues to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur. His career path—from modeling to breakout television roles to becoming a staple of family programming—illustrates his adaptability and business acumen.
With 46 acting credits and 6 producer credits on IMDb, plus his expanding work behind the camera, Donovan has established himself as a lasting presence in entertainment who continues to seek new creative challenges while maintaining the values instilled during his Mammoth Lakes upbringing.
