Whether it’s the Super Bowl of bodybuilding or the Arnold Classic, you’ll hear Bob Cicherillo’s voice on the mic. For years, Bob Cicherillo has been the indispensable master of ceremonies at the two most prestigious bodybuilding competitions on the planet. However, the 58-year-old was a pro bodybuilder before he became The Voice of Bodybuilding.
In fact, he has competed with some of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. However, his career in bodybuilding media earned him far more fame than his long, competitive bodybuilding career. So, how did Bob Cicherillo go from competing at the Olympia to hosting the event? Besides having a great voice, Cicherillo’s experience as a bodybuilder helped him immensely. However, it took considerable time and effort before the bodybuilder became the most recognizable voice in bodybuilding.
The multifaceted career of Bob Cicherillo
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The indispensable emcee emerged as a promising bodybuilder at the 1981 Natural America. The young bodybuilder from Rochester, New York, placed fourth in his very first bodybuilding show in the Teen-Tall weight class. After this, the bodybuilder dedicated himself to turning pro. For the next two decades, Bob Cicherillo competed in the NPC with aspirations to appear on the IFBB Stage.
The Olympia host made his IFBB debut at the 2001 Night of Champions. Later, he competed alongside Ronnie Coleman, Dexter Jackson, Kevin Levrone, Flex Wheeler, and more at the 2002 Mr. Olympia. At the same time, he had also begun hosting local bodybuilding shows in the early 2000s. In 2004, he made it to the Arnold Classic stage. However, he never placed among the top in either contest.
Cicherillo’s media career had started even before making his IFBB Debut. While competing for the NPC, Cicherillo joined The original American Gladiator as Titan. Although the bodybuilder didn’t feature in the TV show, he was part of the American Gladiators Live Tour in 1991/1992. Cicherillo’s first-hand knowledge about competing also helped write articles for fitness magazines, and he even featured on the cover of FLEX magazine.
By the mid-2000s, the Arnold Classic host was ready to start a new chapter of his life as a host and emcee. “After 20 years or more of competitive bodybuilding determining my entire lifestyle, it’s nice to be in a position in which I am still deeply involved in the sport,” Bob Cicherillo told Muscle and Fitness. Since then, the Voice of Bodybuilding has continued to refine his craft.
The Charismatic Voice of Bodybuilding
Although Bob Cicherillo showed promise and competed at the peak of the mass monster era, he couldn’t conquer the sport. However, despite never winning the Arnold Classic or Mr. Olympia, Cicherillo’s love for the sport never faded. After embracing the role of emcee at bodybuilding contests, Cicherillo refined his craft through the years. While he always had the voice, Cicherillo developed his signature style of hosting contests, and it remains unmatched.
Today, Bob Cicherillo commands the same respect in bodybuilding as the iconic announcer Michael Buffer does in boxing or his brother Bruce Buffer in MMA. Expanding beyond the role of a live show host has also helped Cicherillo solidify his presence in the sport. In the early 2010s, Cicherillo used to host the podcast and radio show Pro Bodybuilding Weekly with the current President of Mr Olympia, Dan Solomon.
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Today, he has expanded his presence into social media with a similar show, The Voice of Bodybuilding Podcast, on YouTube. While he is the unbiased voice on stage, the former competitive bodybuilder doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind offstage. In 2023, the emcee stirred up a controversy after stating that former two-time Mr. Olympia Big Ramy wouldn’t win again.
Although the back and forth between Ramy and Cicherillo caused controversy, the Olympia host and champion settled the debate amicably. Besides being an active part of the community, Cicherillo’s enthusiasm for his work and the sport also contributes to his continued success as a host.
He praised the contributions of Olympia owner Jake Wood and President Dan Solomon to promote the sport and bring back the Ms. Olympia contest. “I am very much at the right place at the right time,” the former competitive bodybuilder added.
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Despite competing for decades, Bob Cicherillo never lost his desire to stay connected to bodybuilding. From making appearances in shows like Malcolm in the Middle to featuring on the cover of FLEX to acting as emcee, Bob Cicherillo’s love of the sport and skill as an announcer has made him the go-to Voice of Bodybuilding.
