Kennedy was born in Manchester. He attended St Paul's RC secondary High School.

After that, he then went on to study drama at Manchester Polytechnic now Manchester Metropolitan University.

Kennedy was in the band 'Paris Valentinos' which also contained Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke who later played in The Smiths.

Kennedy played the role of Curly Watts between 1983 and 2003.

After a short break from acting while recovering from alcohol addiction, in May 2000 Kennedy released a song and album named Bulldog Nation with his band The Bunch of Thieves under the RCA label. The single peaked at number 70 in the UK Singles chart.

Kennedy returned to Coronation Street a few months later before leaving finally in September 2003. In August March 2010, it was confirmed that Kevin would return to Coronation Street to film scenes for its 50th anniversary DVD. .

Kennedy was the writer and producer of the film, Spanish Capers, that was released in 2005.

In an interview in July 2007, Kennedy said with the right storyline, he would consider a return to Coronation Street.

Also in 2009, he appeared in a Daz 'Cleaner Close' Advert.

Kennedy is currently playing the part of ageing hippy 'Pop' in the touring production of Ben Elton's We Will Rock You..

Kennedy currently lives with his wife, Clare and daughters Katie-May (born 2004) and Grace (born 2006) and he also has a son, Ryan (born 1987) with his former wife, Dawn.

He is a supporter of Manchester City F.C.