Kendall Roy

Kendall Roy
Born	Kendall Logan Roy 1978 England
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Succession (HBO series)

Kendall Logan Roy is a fictional persona featured in the American HBO series Succession, a satirical dark comedy-drama. Jeremy Strong brings Kendall to life, a character conceived by showrunner Jesse Armstrong, who initially envisioned a film centered on the Murdoch family before crafting original figures inspired by influential media empires.

As the second-born son of Logan Roy, the head of Waystar RoyCo—a multinational media and entertainment powerhouse—Kendall is positioned as the designated successor after Logan’s 80th birthday declaration that he would continue as CEO indefinitely. Kendall’s journey is marked by his efforts to validate his worth amidst unsuccessful business ventures, struggles with addiction, and complicated family dynamics. Following Logan’s stroke, Kendall assumes the role of acting CEO while his brother Roman takes on COO duties, triggering fierce conflicts for control that drive the series’ core plot.

Jeremy Strong’s interpretation of Kendall has garnered widespread praise, establishing the character as a standout and one of television’s most riveting figures. Strong approaches the role with profound commitment, describing the stakes as akin to “life and death.” His work has been recognized with prestigious accolades including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Drama, as well as Critics' Choice and Satellite Awards.

Casting and creation

Jeremy Strong’s involvement in Adam McKay’s film The Big Short led McKay—also a producer on Succession—to invite him to join the cast. McKay characterized the series as a "King Lear set within the media-industrial complex" and handed Strong the script, encouraging him to select a role that resonated personally. Although initially drawn to Roman Roy, the youngest sibling, Strong was ultimately cast as Kendall Roy, the middle son and designated heir, after Kieran Culkin secured the role of Roman. Showrunner Jesse Armstrong remarked that casting Kendall was particularly challenging and praised Strong’s immediate understanding of the character’s blend of ambition and fragility. To prepare, Strong studied biographies of media tycoons such as Rupert Murdoch, integrating nuanced elements into his performance.

Strong found portraying Kendall emotionally demanding: "It felt like holding myself under water." He described filming season one as "harrowing," reflecting Kendall’s intense narrative arc. He resisted categorizing Succession purely as a comedy, emphasizing its dramatic complexity. To preserve authentic tension among on-screen family members, Strong limited his off-camera interactions with fellow actors, cultivating an atmosphere director Mark Mylod called challenging but effective.

Armstrong drew inspiration for Kendall and his siblings from actual media heirs including the Maxwells, Redstones, and Murdochs, noting their global backgrounds shaped by immense wealth. Strong also delved into legacy family dynamics by researching clans such as the Redstones, Kochs, Newhouses, and Sulzbergers. Prior to shooting, Strong reviewed story outlines indicating Kendall’s trajectory: "Kendall wins but loses." He added personal touches to Kendall’s office environment based on consultations with the show’s business advisor.

Characterisation

At the outset of season one, Strong portrayed Kendall as adopting a "tech media bro" facade designed to exude confidence and a formidable presence, despite being "plagued by uncertainty." His addiction serves as a manifestation of an inner emptiness. Kendall’s foremost ambition is to earn his father's admiration and approval, striving to mirror him even though he fundamentally differs. Strong observed that Kendall does not possess his father’s cold, ruthless "killer instinct," making him comparatively less unscrupulous in business dealings. He proposed that Kendall’s trajectory may involve either breaking free from or fully embracing his family’s legacy, drawing comparisons to Michael Corleone from The Godfather. Brian Cox, portraying Logan, described Kendall as a hopeful yet addicted individual who often expects rewards without effort, identifying this entitlement as his greatest weakness.

Style and appearance

Kendall Roy is known for a signature wardrobe that highlights his status as an "ultra-wealthy executive." Jeremy Strong worked intimately with costume designer Michelle Matland to ensure every element—from socks to undergarments—reflected Kendall’s elite standing. His attire includes luxury labels such as Brunello Cucinelli, Gucci, Tom Ford, Armani, and Loro Piana; the latter gifted Strong a bespoke jacket, while Richard Mille supplied a watch. Additionally, Strong collaborated with Jacques Marie Mage for his sunglasses. Though his casual clothing borrows from hypebeast trends, it remains meticulously selected and high-end.

Kendall’s clothing choices parallel his character development: season one features stark, dark colors symbolizing self-assurance; season two introduces subdued greens and browns indicating psychological tension; by season four, his look is more refined yet subtly layered with elements reflecting personal evolution. Despite the characters’ wealth affording stylists’ input, Kendall’s fashion appears self-curated—evidenced by unique pieces like Lanvin sneakers that Strong retained after filming. Matland remarked that Kendall’s thoughtful approach to dressing is integral to his self-exploration.

His hairstyle evolves alongside his persona. Typically sporting short, slicked-back hair dyed black (contrasting Strong’s natural gray), season three sees his hair cut shorter and unevenly before transitioning to a buzzcut—symbolizing his unraveling and rejection of imposed identities. The lead hairstylist noted that all characters maintain professional hairstyles consistent with their corporate status.

Early life

Kendall Logan Roy was born in England in 1978 to media tycoon Logan Roy and English aristocrat Lady Caroline Collingwood. He is the eldest son among siblings Roman and Siobhan "Shiv," with an older half-brother named Connor. After his parents divorced, Kendall relocated to New York City alongside his father and siblings. At seven years old, Logan assured Kendall he would eventually take over the company upon retirement. Kendall attended the all-male Buckley School where he befriended Stewy Hosseini, who would later become a business partner. Both went on to study at Harvard University; during this time Kendall contributed to The Harvard Lampoon. Post-graduation, he underwent training in Shanghai focused on the family enterprise and formed a connection with Nate Soffrelli, who would later collaborate with Shiv. Kendall and his wife Rava have two children: an adopted daughter named Sophie and a son named Iverson, likely conceived through artificial insemination. His struggles with substance abuse placed strain on their marriage and resulted in a rehabilitation period.

Season 1

Kendall was initially positioned as Logan’s heir apparent until, during his 80th birthday celebration, Logan declared he would remain CEO indefinitely. Kendall barely succeeded in securing Waystar’s purchase of the startup Vaulter, despite the founder's strong opposition. After Logan experienced a stroke, Kendall stepped in as acting CEO while Roman took on the COO role. To manage Waystar’s $3 billion debt tied to the parks division, Kendall sought financial backing from Stewy, unaware that Stewy had aligned with competitor Sandy Furness. When Logan returned to his CEO duties but began exhibiting erratic behavior, Kendall attempted a no-confidence vote that ultimately failed, leading to his dismissal for disloyalty. Following a relapse into drug use during family therapy sessions, Kendall aggressively invested in startups while engaging in heavy substance abuse. At Tom’s bachelor party, Stewy and Sandy offered $500 million for Kendall’s Waystar shares; instead, Kendall countered with a hostile takeover bid that would grant them control and appoint him CEO. He served the bid during Shiv’s wedding but then caused a fatal car crash while intoxicated. Logan agreed to cover up the incident if Kendall withdrew the takeover attempt; Kendall complied and broke down in his father’s embrace.

Season 2

Still reeling from the accident, Kendall becomes intensely loyal to Logan, who names him co-COO alongside Roman to fend off a takeover threat. Logan shuts down Vaulter due to its financial underperformance and targets rival Pierce Global Media (PGM) for acquisition. During a retreat with the Pierce family, Kendall begins a relationship with Naomi Pierce, an influential board member whom he persuades to back the deal. The acquisition collapses when a long-concealed sexual misconduct scandal involving Waystar’s cruise line division emerges. The Roy family faces Senate hearings; Kendall’s aggressive defense secures a legal victory but erodes shareholder confidence. Despite advice from investors to accept accountability, Logan designates Kendall as the scapegoat for the scandal because of his involvement in its concealment. Kendall complies but confronts Logan about his leadership style, receiving a cold rebuff. At a press conference, Kendall unexpectedly shifts responsibility onto Logan for overseeing the cover-up.

Season 3

After making his announcement, Kendall adopts an erratic and self-aggrandizing approach, disregarding legal and public relations advice while pursuing media attention. He fails to unite his siblings against Logan. His legal challenge collapses after weak testimony and insufficient proof prompt the Department of Justice to settle with Waystar. On his 40th birthday, Logan offers $2 billion to purchase Kendall’s shares; Kendall agrees but later faces retraction of the offer, leading to a suicide attempt in Tuscany during their mother’s wedding. Following an emotional breakdown, Kendall confesses his role in the fatal car accident to Shiv and Roman, who stand by him. They learn that Logan intends to sell Waystar to tech giant GoJo without their knowledge and form a voting supermajority to block the sale. However, Tom informs Logan of their plan, allowing him to renegotiate his divorce settlement and strip them of voting rights, leaving the siblings powerless within Waystar.

Season 4

Half a year later, Kendall, Roman, and Shiv have distanced themselves from Logan and are preparing to launch an independent media enterprise named "The Hundred". On Logan's birthday, they discover he is once again attempting to acquire PGM, but they successfully outbid him. Joining forces with Stewy and Sandi, they aim to compel Logan to revisit the GoJo acquisition negotiations with its founder, Lukas Matsson. However, Logan dies while traveling to meet Matsson; the siblings receive news of his passing during Connor's wedding. At Logan's wake, Frank uncovers a document designating Kendall as his successor. Deeply affected yet resolute, Kendall agrees to assume leadership alongside Roman, honoring the COO succession clause.

Doubtful about Matsson's strategy and eager for CEO authority, Kendall persuades Roman to undermine the GoJo agreement. He orchestrates a prominent product launch at Waystar’s Investor Day to enhance the company’s valuation and obstruct the takeover, subsequently challenging the deal on regulatory grounds. After uncovering that GoJo inflated subscriber figures in India, Kendall proposes acquiring GoJo himself as the sole CEO.

On election night, Kendall feels uneasy about Mencken due to the political fallout impacting his daughter Sophie. Considering support for Jiménez out of family loyalty, he then discovers Shiv is collaborating with Matsson. Feeling betrayed, he shifts his backing to Mencken. At Logan’s funeral amid protests following Mencken’s victory, Shiv negotiates a deal permitting the GoJo acquisition on condition that an American CEO be appointed. Kendall enlists Roman and Hugo to oppose Shiv during the final board vote.

Kendall races to gather votes to prevent the deal’s approval. While visiting Caroline’s estate in Barbados where Roman is recuperating, they learn Matsson plans to double-cross her; Shiv subsequently aligns with Kendall. The siblings unite as a voting bloc endorsing Kendall as CEO. The board vote ends in a 6–6 tie; despite Kendall’s objections, Shiv doubts his capabilities and votes in favor of the acquisition. Tom is named CEO with Shiv supporting him; Kendall reflects on his future during a solitary walk in Battery Park.

Accolades

Jeremy Strong’s portrayal has garnered widespread praise, earning him the 2020 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His accolades also include the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film.

Critical reception

Jake Nevis of The Guardian lauded Strong’s performance in the opening two episodes as "an impressive lead," emphasizing his intricate depiction of a vulnerable prodigal son navigating cutthroat venture capitalism. In 2019, Kyle McGovern from GQ ranked Strong’s work among television’s most multifaceted and dedicated performances. TVLine honored Strong as "Performer of the Year" in 2021, praising his subtle portrayal of a corporate figure wrestling with personal demons.

Regarding the series finale, Michael Schulman of The New Yorker described Kendall Roy as one of modern television’s standout characters and central to Jesse Armstrong’s ensemble cast. TVLine characterized Strong’s concluding performance as a brilliant depiction of Kendall’s downfall, solidifying it as one of the decade's finest TV portrayals. The Times called the character "the best TV character of the past decade," while Variety ranked Strong’s acting as the second-best television performance of the 21st century so far.