Matt Iseman
“Life is short, do what makes you happy.” That’s the advice Matt received from his father, a world renowned physician, when Matt quite medicine to pursue his dreams in entertainment. Those word continue to guide Matt today as he talks to ninjas, entertains audiences around the world and, in general, proves that laughter is the best medicine.
Best known as the host of NBC’s four-time Emmy Award-nominated hit competition series “American Ninja Warrior,” which begins its 12th season this summer. He also serves as host for the spin-off series “American Ninja Warrior Junior” set to premiere February 22nd on Universal Kids Network. He and his “ANW” co-host Akbar Gbajabiamila hosted the 2017 and 2018 “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular,” which aired on NBC. For the past two years, he also hosted History’s “Evel Live,” specials which honor legendary daredevil Evel Knievel. He is also the host for A&E’s “Live Rescue” which follows the lives of first responders around the country.
In 2017, Iseman won season eight of NBC’s “The New Celebrity Apprentice,” with host Arnold Schwarzenegger, where he raised over one million dollars for the Arthritis Foundation. His ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis transformed him into a strong supporter for the foundation. Past television credits include being a regular cast member on Style Network’s home makeover shows “Clean House” and “Clean House Comes Clean,” for which he won an Emmy, and being the main medical correspondent for the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family.” In 2019 you could also find Matt entertaining audiences as a celebrity guest on the hit shows Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, and Ellen’s Game of Games.
As a stand-up comic, Iseman has recurred on “Comics Unleashed” and is a regular on the L.A. comedy club circuit. He’s appeared on “Premium Blend” on Comedy Central, “The Greg Guttfeld Show” and as a guest co-host on “Today.” He’s also traveled to Afghanistan to perform for U.S. troops. His CD, “I Want a Happy Ending,” has become an iTunes sensation and he can also be heard on SiriusXM, Pandora and countless radio stations around the nation.
A Denver native, Iseman graduated with honors from Princeton University and the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he received his medical degree. He returned home to the University of Colorado for his residency in internal medicine. Then, in a move that shocked patients and parents alike, he quit his job as a doctor and moved out to Hollywood to pursue stand-up comedy and never looked back.
Iseman currently resides in Los Angeles.