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Article Summary
Jacob Batalon is a Filipino-American actor who rose to international fame as Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s best friend, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man films. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1996 to Filipino migrant parents, Batalon made his acting debut in 2017 with Spider-Man: Homecoming and has since appeared in five MCU films, including Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026). Beyond the MCU, he starred as the titular character in the Syfy series Reginald the Vampire (2022-2024) and appeared in films like Let It Snow, The Wrecking Crew, and Novocaine. Batalon got engaged to architectural designer Veronica Leahov in March 2025. His net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million.
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Education
- Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Projects and Movies
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Filmography
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
Jacob Andres Batalon was born on 9 October 1996 in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Filipino migrant parents Billy Batalon and Vangie Andres from Pangasinan, Philippines. He grew up in Hawaii with seven half-siblings: a brother and sister from his mother and three brothers and two sisters from his father.
Batalon’s Filipino heritage has been an important part of his identity. In an episode of Reginald the Vampire, he spoke Ilocano to trace his real-life heritage, even using “Andres” as Reginald’s surname to honor his mother.
Education
Batalon attended the private Catholic school St. Anthony’s School and then Damien Memorial School in Hawaii. After high school, he enrolled at Kapi’olani Community College, where he studied music theory. However, he later dropped out.
Batalon then enrolled in a two-year program to study acting at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. This decision would prove pivotal in launching his acting career.
Career
Early Career and Breakthrough
Batalon made his acting debut in 2017 with a small role in the film North Woods as the character Cooper. However, his big break came later that same year when he was cast as Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s best friend, in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). This role catapulted him to international fame and established him as a key figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Batalon has appeared in five MCU films as Ned Leeds. After his debut in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), he made cameo appearances in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). He returned for more substantial supporting roles in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).
He also appeared as Ned Leeds in the web series The Daily Bugle from 2019 to 2021.
Beyond the MCU
Outside the Marvel universe, Batalon has built a diverse filmography. In 2018, he appeared as James in Every Day, as Krill in Blood Fest, and as Jacob in Banana Split. In 2019, he appeared in Let It Snow on Netflix, playing Keon. He also appeared in The True Don Quixote.
In 2022, Batalon landed his first leading television role as the titular character in the Syfy series Reginald the Vampire, which ran for two seasons until 2024. The show received generally positive reviews.
In 2023, he played Gene in Shortcomings. In 2024, he appeared in Lift and Horrorscope.
2025-2026 Projects
In 2025, Batalon appeared in a key role in Novocaine.
In January 2026, his action comedy The Wrecking Crew premiered on Prime Video, starring alongside Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista.
Batalon’s most anticipated 2026 project is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing on 31 July 2026, where he reprises his role as Ned Leeds.
Major Achievements
Batalon’s role as Ned Leeds in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made him one of the most recognizable Filipino-American actors in Hollywood. His films have collectively grossed over $8.8 billion worldwide at the box office.
He has successfully transitioned from supporting roles in blockbuster films to leading roles in television, demonstrating his range as an actor.
In 2025, Batalon was engaged to his longtime girlfriend Veronica Leahov, marking a significant personal milestone.
Personal Life
Batalon has been in a relationship with Veronica Leahov, an architectural designer, since 2024. The couple got engaged in March 2025 during a romantic New York City proposal. Batalon announced the engagement on Instagram with the caption: “The beginning of the rest of our lives together ❤️♾️❤️.”
In January 2026, Batalon revealed to PEOPLE that their wedding planning was “almost done” and that Leahov had done most of the planning. He described her as “one of the most supportive people in my life.”
Batalon has also been at the center of a viral internet meme, “CEO of Sex,” which he addressed with humor.
Latest News
As of July 2026, Jacob Batalon is in the midst of a busy promotional tour for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which releases on 31 July 2026. He reprises his role as Ned Leeds alongside Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jon Bernthal.
During the press tour, Batalon’s viral “CEO of Sex” meme resurfaced, with Tom Holland playfully asking the internet for answers about the joke.
Batalon also starred in The Wrecking Crew, which premiered on Prime Video on 28 January 2026.
Upcoming Projects and Movies
| Project | Role | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spider-Man: Brand New Day | Ned Leeds | 31 July 2026 |
| Agent of Chaos | (role unconfirmed) | TBA |
Batalon is also attached to Agent of Chaos, an upcoming film. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently his highest-profile upcoming release.
Recent Awards
Batalon has not received any major individual acting awards to date. He was part of the ensemble cast of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which received various nominations, and his work on Reginald the Vampire was generally well-received by critics.
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Born in Honolulu, Hawaii |
| 2017 | Acting debut in North Woods; cast as Ned Leeds in Spider-Man: Homecoming |
| 2018 | Cameo in Avengers: Infinity War; appeared in Every Day, Blood Fest, Banana Split |
| 2019 | Cameo in Avengers: Endgame; supporting role in Spider-Man: Far From Home; appeared in Let It Snow and The True Don Quixote |
| 2021 | Reprised Ned Leeds in Spider-Man: No Way Home |
| 2022-2024 | Starred as Reginald in Syfy’s Reginald the Vampire |
| 2023 | Appeared in Shortcomings |
| 2024 | Appeared in Lift and Horrorscope |
| 2025 | Appeared in Novocaine; got engaged to Veronica Leahov |
| 2026 | Starred in The Wrecking Crew (Prime Video); reprises Ned Leeds in Spider-Man: Brand New Day |
Filmography
FAQs
How old is Jacob Batalon?
Jacob Batalon was born on 9 October 1996 in Honolulu, Hawaii, which makes him 29 years old as of 2026.
What is Jacob Batalon’s net worth?
Jacob Batalon’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $4 million as of 2026, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Estimates vary across sources, but this is the most commonly cited figure.
Who does Jacob Batalon play in Spider-Man?
Batalon plays Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s best friend, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man films. He has appeared in five MCU films and reprises the role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026).
Is Jacob Batalon Filipino?
Yes. Batalon was born to Filipino migrant parents from Pangasinan, Philippines. He is a Filipino-American actor who has spoken Ilocano in his work to honor his heritage.
Is Jacob Batalon married?
No, but he is engaged. Batalon proposed to his girlfriend Veronica Leahov in March 2025 during a romantic New York City proposal.
Who is Jacob Batalon’s fiancée?
Batalon’s fiancée is Veronica Leahov, an architectural designer from Moldova. She works as a commercial interior designer and has collaborated with designer David Rockwell.
What TV shows has Jacob Batalon been in?
Batalon starred as the titular character in the Syfy series Reginald the Vampire (2022-2024). He also appeared in The Daily Bugle web series and had guest roles in Day by Day and 50 States of Fright.
What is Jacob Batalon’s height?
Jacob Batalon is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.
What is the “CEO of Sex” meme about Jacob Batalon?
The “CEO of Sex” meme is a viral internet joke that humorously claims Batalon holds the title of “CEO of Sex.” Batalon has responded with humor, saying it’s “an honor.”
What are Jacob Batalon’s upcoming movies?
Batalon’s most anticipated upcoming film is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, releasing on 31 July 2026. He is also attached to Agent of Chaos.
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Batalon is a Filipino-American actor born on 9 October 1996 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- He rose to fame as Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s best friend, in five Marvel Cinematic Universe Spider-Man films.
- He starred as the lead in the Syfy series Reginald the Vampire (2022-2024).
- He got engaged to architectural designer Veronica Leahov in March 2025.
- In 2026, he reprises his role as Ned Leeds in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and stars in The Wrecking Crew on Prime Video.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million.
Conclusion
Jacob Batalon’s journey from Honolulu, Hawaii, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a story of talent, hard work, and embracing one’s heritage. As a Filipino-American actor, he has become a visible representative of his community in Hollywood, bringing warmth and humor to the beloved character of Ned Leeds. His transition from the blockbuster Spider-Man films to the lead role in Reginald the Vampire and action comedies like The Wrecking Crew demonstrates his versatility and ambition. With his engagement to Veronica Leahov and a packed 2026 schedule that includes one of the year’s most anticipated films, Jacob Batalon is a rising star who is only just getting started.
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