Matt Iseman is best known for hosting American Ninja Warrior. He and his fellow host, Akbar Gbajabiamila, have become the faces of the popular obstacle course competition, though neither one has been with the show since the beginning. Gbajabiamila joined for season five and Iseman joined for season two. Before American Ninja Warrior, Iseman actually had an entirely different career in mind that had nothing to do with television. From practicing medicine to the Olympics, he certainly has an interesting past.
American Ninja Warrior is preparing for its 13th season. After a shortened season in 2020 that didn’t include the infamous Mount Midoriyama, season 13 is returning to the original obstacle course, though in-person audiences will still not be allowed. Iseman and Gbajabiamila are expected to return as hosts, with relative newcomer Zuri Hall returning as the sideline reporter. As Iseman prepares to celebrate his 12th season on the show, here’s what we know about his other endeavors and the first profession he pursued.
Matt Iseman did well in school and earned his M.D. from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. That’s right – he’s a doctor. But early in his career, Iseman discovered he had a love of comedy. Despite all the hard work he put into becoming a doctor, he realized comedy was his passion. He then moved to Los Angeles to start a new career in entertainment. Ironically, one of his first roles was on the medical soap opera General Hospital, one of the longest-running TV shows ever. Iseman's first hosting job was on E! network’s gameshow Scream Play, where competitors copied stunts from famous movies as a test of strength and agility, somewhat similar to American Ninja Warrior.
Even with his success on ANW, Iseman hasn’t slowed down. He has worked on news shows including Megyn Kelly Today, on which he and Akbar Gbajabiamila acted as Olympic correspondents for the winter games in Pyeongchang. Showing his acting chops, he has been on shows like the web-series Act-Anon and even voiced a character on the animated series American Dad. He has also gotten away from the sidelines and competed in celebrity competition shows. He appeared on The New Celebrity Apprentice hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger. There, he beat out other celebrities, including Olympian Lisa Leslie, actor Jon Lovitz, show host Carson Kressley, boxer Laila Ali, and reality-star-turned-mother Snooki to take home the win. He also competed against Gbajabiamila on Lip Sync Battle season five.
Along with his television career, Matt Iseman has also overcome health obstacles and worked to inspire others. He beat kidney cancer and likes to share his story to remind people that not all cancer stories end badly. Iseman also has rheumatoid arthritis but has managed to get it under control. His appearance on The New Celebrity Apprentice was to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. He has also raised money for the American Cancer Society. He talks about his health problems often to inspire others who are suffering and to raise awareness and money for arthritis research.
There doesn’t seem to be much Matt Iseman can’t do, despite his health problems and his busy schedule. His comedic wit and enthusiasm make him a great host, and fans of American Ninja Warrior hope he will continue in his position alongside Akbar Gbajabiamila for years to come. He is an inspirational figure, leaving one dream to pursue another, beating cancer, and learning to work around his chronic illness. He may not compete on the course, but Matt Iseman is as tough as the competitors on American Ninja Warrior.