Jacob Batalon
As Peter Parker's loyal best friend Ned, he brought grounded humor and heart to the cosmic scale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American actor·Birthday: October 9·Millennials
Biography
Jacob Batalon's journey to becoming the MCU's favorite 'guy in the chair' began far from Hollywood, in Honolulu, Hawaii. After studying music theory in college, he shifted gears and graduated from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. His big break came swiftly when he was cast as Ned Leeds, Spider-Man's enthusiastic and tech-savvy confidant, in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming.' Batalon's natural comedic timing and genuine chemistry with Tom Holland made Ned an instant fan favorite, a role he reprised across multiple blockbusters. While the Marvel films made him a familiar face globally, he has actively pursued different genres, from holiday rom-coms like 'Let It Snow' to starring in the vampire comedy series 'Reginald the Vampire,' showcasing a versatility beyond the superhero sphere.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jacob was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jacob Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Jacob's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played Ned Leeds in five Marvel Cinematic Universe films, beginning with 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' in 2017.
- Starred as the lead character Reginald Baskin in the Syfy comedy-horror series 'Reginald the Vampire.'
- Appeared in the Netflix holiday film 'Let It Snow' as the character Keon.
Did You Know?
He was born in Hawaii and is of Filipino descent.
He originally went to college to study music theory.
He shaved his head for his role in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' and maintained the look for subsequent films.
He is an avid fan of video games and anime.
“I just showed up to the audition and tried to be a normal, funny guy.”
