Leon Scott Kennedy, the iconic protagonist of Capcom’s Resident Evil series, has been a subject of curiosity for fans regarding his exact age, birthday, and physical stature. According to official lore and recent confirmations, his birth date is July 31, 1977, making him 51 years old in the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem (RE9). His height is listed as approximately 178–180 cm (5 ft 10 in – 5 ft 11 in).
July 31, 1977
51 years
178–180 cm (5’10” – 5’11”)
Matthew Mercer
Key Insights
- Leon Kennedy debuted in Resident Evil 2 (1998) as a rookie police officer.
- His age has varied across games: 21 in RE2, 27 in RE4, 35 in RE6, and 51 in RE9.
- Height and weight are officially listed by Capcom, though sources differ slightly (178–180 cm and ~70 kg).
- His primary English voice actor has changed over time; Matthew Mercer currently voices him.
- No official birth date or year was given by Capcom for many years; the July 31, 1977 date is now widely accepted through lore documents and developer statements.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leon Scott Kennedy |
| First Game | Resident Evil 2 (1998) |
| Birth Date | July 31, 1977 |
| Height | 178–180 cm (5’10” – 5’11”) |
| Weight | ~70 kg (155 lbs) |
| Blood Type | A |
| Nationality | Italian-American (Caucasian-American) |
| Affiliation | Raccoon City Police Department → D.S.O. agent |
| English Voice Actor (Current) | Matthew Mercer |
| Japanese Voice Actor | Toshiyuki Morikawa |
| Notable Appearances | RE2, RE4, RE6, Resident Evil: Requiem (RE9) |
When Is Leon Kennedy’s Birthday?
According to official lore, Leon’s birthday is July 31, 1977. This date was confirmed by multiple sources, including a Vice article that tracked his age across games and a RadioTimes report that cited director Koshi Nakanishi. However, some fan theories suggest September 7, 1977 to align with the Raccoon City Incident of September 29, 1998, but this lacks official confirmation.
How Tall Is Leon Kennedy?
Official Capcom materials list his height as 178 cm (5’10”) or 180 cm (5’11”). Sources like Evil Resource and the Resident Evil Wiki both cite these figures, with a weight of approximately 70 kg (155 lbs). His height has remained consistent across the series, though early game models sometimes exaggerated proportions.
What Is the Leon Kennedy Model Based On?
Leon was originally conceived as a veteran police officer in the prototype of Resident Evil 2, but writer Noboru Sugimura rewrote him as a young rookie to emphasize idealism and vulnerability. His traumatic childhood—orphaned after his crime-linked family was killed—inspired him to become a protector. In the 2019 RE2 Remake, his shoulder pads were removed to match photorealistic design standards.
Who Voices Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil?
Who Is the Current Voice Actor for Leon Kennedy?
As of the Resident Evil 4 remake (2023) and recent animations, Leon is voiced by Matthew Mercer in English. Mercer has also portrayed him in RE6 and earlier titles. According to Wikipedia, he is the primary voice actor for the character in the modern era.
Has the Voice Actor Changed Over the Years?
Yes, Leon’s English voice actor has changed multiple times. Paul Mercier voiced him in the original RE4 (2005) and RE6 (2012). Nick Apostolides provided the voice in RE: Operation Javier and RE: Los Iluminados. In live-action films, Johann Urb played Leon in Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) and Avan Jogia in Welcome to Raccoon City (2021). The CGI/live-action hybrid performances used Eduard Badaluta for the remakes.
The Japanese voice actor for Leon has remained Toshiyuki Morikawa across all games and films, a consistency not seen in the English dubbing.
Is Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 9?
Does Leon Kennedy Appear in Resident Evil 4?
Yes, Leon is the main protagonist of Resident Evil 4 (both the 2005 original and the 2023 remake). In the remake, he is 27 years old and serves as a D.S.O. agent. This is his most prominent role in the series.
Will Leon Kennedy Be in Resident Evil 9?
According to RadioTimes, Leon appears in Resident Evil: Requiem (often referred to as RE9), set in 2028. He is 51 years old and co-protagonist alongside Grace Ashcroft. Director Koshi Nakanishi confirmed his age during the Capcom Spotlight in June 2025. The game is the ninth main installment, though not titled “Resident Evil 9” in the traditional sense.
RE9: Requiem is set 30 years after the Raccoon City Incident (1998). No official Resident Evil 9 (non-Requiem) appearances have been announced as of 2025.
Where Can I Find Official Leon Kennedy Merchandise?
What Types of Leon Kennedy Merch Are Available?
Official Capcom merchandise includes action figures, apparel, and collectibles. Leon appears in crossover games like Project X Zone, Dead by Daylight, and Teppen. He also appears in CGI films such as Resident Evil: Degeneration, Vendetta, and Death Island, as well as the animated miniseries Infinite Darkness.
Are There Official Capcom Stores for Leon Kennedy Items?
Licensed products are sold through the Capcom Store and authorized retailers. For the latest merchandise, check the Capcom Store or licensed partner websites.
Fans should verify the authenticity of third-party sellers to avoid counterfeit items. Official Capcom products come with detailed packaging and often have holographic seals.
Leon Kennedy’s Game Appearances Timeline
- 1998: Resident Evil 2 – Main protagonist (rookie cop).
- 2004: Resident Evil 4 – Main protagonist (special agent).
- 2009: Resident Evil: Degeneration (CGI film) – Main character.
- 2012: Resident Evil 6 – Co-protagonist.
- 2017: Resident Evil: Vendetta (CGI film) – Main character.
- 2023: Resident Evil 4 Remake – Main protagonist (remake).
- 2023: Resident Evil: Death Island (CGI film) – Main character.
- 2028 (upcoming): Resident Evil: Requiem (RE9) – Co-protagonist.
What Do We Know for Certain About Leon Kennedy?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Leon is a fictional character owned by Capcom. | Exact birth date – long debated among fans; July 31, 1977 is now official. |
| He appears as a protagonist in RE2, RE4, RE6, and multiple CGI films. | The identity of the real-life model used for Leon’s face in recent games has not been officially confirmed. |
| His height is officially 178–180 cm. | Whether he will appear in any future Resident Evil games beyond Requiem is unannounced. |
| His English voice actor changed over time; Matthew Mercer is current. | The canon status of his age progression across all games is not strictly linear. |
Why Leon Kennedy Remains a Central Character in Resident Evil
Leon’s evolution from a rookie cop to a hardened secret agent mirrors the series’ shift from survival horror to action. His role in the acclaimed RE4 remake (2023) cemented his relevance, while ongoing rumors about RE9 keep fan interest high. The character’s design, voice acting, and merchandise demand reflect a lasting cultural impact that extends beyond the games themselves. For more on iconic characters, see the Levi Ackerman guide.
What Do Official Sources Say About Leon Kennedy?
“Leon S. Kennedy is a popular character in the Resident Evil series. This article introduces his biography and his charm.”
– Capcom official blog (game.capcom.com), March 2023
“Leon Scott Kennedy is a fictional character in the Resident Evil horror media franchise by Capcom.”
“Leon excels at destroying zombies. He can clear out a narrow corridor with a dozen undead without getting bitten.”
– Writeups.org character profile
What’s Next for Leon Kennedy?
Fans eagerly await the release of Resident Evil: Requiem (RE9), set in 2028. Capcom has not confirmed any further appearances, but given his popularity, a return seems likely. Meanwhile, merchandise continues to be produced, and his voice actor Matthew Mercer remains active in the role. If you enjoyed this deep dive, check out the comprehensive Mike Wheeler character guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leon Kennedy
How much does Leon Kennedy weigh?
Capcom has not officially listed Leon’s weight in all games, but sources estimate around 70 kg (155 lbs) based on his build and official stats from Evil Resource.
What is Leon Kennedy’s real name?
Leon Scott Kennedy is his full name.
Why did Leon Kennedy’s voice actor change?
Voice actors change due to scheduling, contracts, or studio decisions. Paul Haddad voiced him in RE2, Matthew Mercer in RE6, and others over time.
Is Leon Kennedy in any movies?
Yes, he appears in CGI films such as Resident Evil: Degeneration, Damnation, Vendetta, and Death Island.
What is Leon Kennedy’s blood type?
According to fan sources and some official material, his blood type is A.
Does Leon Kennedy appear in Dead by Daylight?
Yes, Leon is a playable character in Dead by Daylight as part of the Resident Evil crossover DLC.
How old was Leon in Resident Evil 4 (original)?
In the original 2005 game, he is 27 years old, consistent with the 2023 remake.
Who is Leon’s Japanese voice actor?
Toshiyuki Morikawa has voiced Leon in all Japanese dubs of the games and films.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.