Lee Priest stands as one of bodybuilding’s most recognizable figures. Born in Australia, this IFBB pro brought a unique combination of massive muscle and an outspoken personality to the sport. At just 5’4″, Lee packed on incredible muscle mass that many taller bodybuilders couldn’t match. His arms, in particular, became his trademark – massive biceps that looked almost cartoonish on his shorter frame.
Bodybuilder
As a bodybuilder, Lee Priest made his mark through decades of competition. What sets him apart is how early he started. While most bodybuilders need years to develop a professional physique, Lee earned his pro card at just 17 years old – one of the youngest athletes ever to turn pro. His career spans multiple weight classes and federations, with a distinctive look fans could spot immediately on any competition stage.
Who is Lee Priest?
Lee Priest was born Lee Andrew Priest McCutcheon on July 6, 1972, in Newcastle, Australia. He started training with weights at just 12 years old, with his grandfather introducing him to the sport. By 13, Lee entered his first bodybuilding contest, and his career took off from there.
What makes Lee’s story remarkable is his rapid rise. Most bodybuilders spend their teens developing their physiques, but Lee was already competing against grown men before he could drive. His genetic gifts for muscle building became obvious early on. Lee won the IFBB Mr. Australia title at 17, launching his international career well before most athletes even consider turning pro.
Lee’s personality matched his muscles – big and impossible to ignore. Known for speaking his mind without filters, he built a reputation as bodybuilding’s “bad boy” who wouldn’t play politics or back down from controversy.
Lee Priest Age
Born on July 6, 1972, Lee Priest is currently 52 years old. Despite being in his fifties, Lee continues to maintain an impressive physique. While not competing at the elite level anymore, he still trains regularly and stays connected to the bodybuilding world through guest appearances and his YouTube channel.
What’s remarkable about Lee’s age journey is how his body has handled decades of intense training. Many bodybuilders struggle with joint problems and injuries as they age, but Lee has managed to keep training heavy weights well into his 50s.
Lee Priest Wife
Lee Priest married Cathy LeFrancois, a fellow IFBB professional bodybuilder, in 2000. The marriage brought together two competitive bodybuilders who understood the lifestyle demands of the sport. Their shared passion for bodybuilding created a strong bond between them.
The couple later divorced after several years of marriage. Since then, Lee has kept much of his personal life private, though he occasionally shares glimpses through social media. He has a daughter named Arriana from a previous relationship before his marriage to Cathy.
Is Lee Priest Married
No, Lee Priest is not currently married. After his divorce from Cathy LeFrancois, Lee has not publicized any new marriages. He tends to keep his relationships out of the public eye, focusing more on his training, business ventures, and connecting with fans through social media and his YouTube presence.
When asked about relationships in interviews, Lee typically steers conversations back to bodybuilding topics or his current projects rather than discussing his personal life in detail.
Career Highlights
Lee Priest’s bodybuilding career spans over three decades with numerous standout moments. His career began when he won his first competition at age 13, showing early promise that would define his future in the sport.
On the professional stage, Lee competed in over 50 professional competitions. His best Olympia finish came in 2002 when he placed 6th at the Mr. Olympia competition – the sport’s most prestigious event. Lee claimed victory at the 2006 PDI Night of Champions, the 2006 Iron Man Pro, and the 2004 GNC Show of Strength.
Beyond competitions, Lee appeared on over 30 magazine covers including Flex and Muscle & Fitness. His distinctive look and willingness to speak openly made him a popular choice for interviews and features. Lee’s training videos showing his intense workout style became legendary among fans who wanted to build arms like his.
What truly sets Lee’s career apart was his longevity. While many bodybuilders peak for a few years, Lee maintained a competitive physique for decades. His ability to transform from off-season bulk to competition sharpness showed his mastery of both building muscle and achieving definition.
Top 5 Achievements
- Youngest IFBB professional ever, earning his pro card at age 17 – a record that showcased his genetic potential and dedication at an age when most bodybuilders are just beginning serious training.
- Six-time top 10 finisher at the Mr. Olympia competition, with his highest placement being 6th place in 2002, proving he could stand among the world’s elite bodybuilders despite his shorter height.
- Winner of multiple professional shows including the 2006 Iron Man Pro and 2006 PDI Night of Champions, demonstrating his ability to bring his best package to the stage when it counted most.
- Built some of the most famous arms in bodybuilding history, with measurements reportedly reaching 21 inches – proportionally some of the largest arms ever seen in the sport relative to height.
- Successfully transitioned between weight classes throughout his career, competing effectively as a lightweight, middleweight, and even against much larger opponents in open classes.
Lifestyle
Lee Priest’s lifestyle revolves around more than just lifting weights. His training style reflects his personality – intense, heavy, and without shortcuts. Even past his competition days, Lee still hits the gym with serious weight, often sharing videos of himself pushing impressive pounds despite being in his 50s.
Lee’s diet has always been a topic of fascination. During competition prep, he follows a strict regimen of protein-rich foods, complex carbs, and minimal fat. But in his off-season phases, Lee became famous for eating fast food, ice cream, and other treats while still maintaining enough muscle to shock fans. This approach, while not recommended for everyone, showcased his remarkable metabolism.
Outside the gym, Lee developed a passion for drag racing. He owns several race cars and competes in events when his schedule allows. This high-speed hobby gives him an adrenaline rush different from competition but satisfies his competitive nature.
Lee also loves connecting with fans through social media and his YouTube channel. Unlike some athletes who use paid teams to handle their accounts, Lee personally responds to many comments and shares authentic videos about his current life and thoughts on bodybuilding.
Income Sources
Lee built financial stability through multiple revenue streams throughout his career. During his competition years, prize money formed just one part of his income. Top placements at major shows like the Iron Man Pro and Night of Champions earned him thousands in prize checks.
Guest posing appearances became a significant income source at the height of his popularity. Gym owners and event promoters would pay thousands for Lee to appear, pose, and meet with fans. His name on a flyer guaranteed ticket sales.
Endorsement deals with supplement companies provided steady income. Companies like Muscletech and others partnered with Lee to promote their products, featuring him in advertisements and on product packaging.
Today, Lee continues earning through his YouTube channel where he shares training advice, life updates, and opinions on current bodybuilding topics. The channel’s monetization combines with merchandise sales of Lee Priest branded clothing and accessories to provide ongoing revenue.
Personal training and coaching sessions for serious bodybuilders represent another income stream, with clients paying premium rates to learn from a legend directly.
Legal & Controversy
Lee’s outspoken nature led to several notable controversies throughout his career. The biggest came when the IFBB banned him for competing in non-sanctioned events. This suspension effectively kicked him out of competing in their shows for years, forcing him to find other federations.
The ban stemmed from Lee’s decision to compete in the NABBA federation while still under IFBB contract. Lee felt justified in seeking additional competition opportunities, but the organization strictly enforced its exclusivity rules. This standoff highlighted the politics behind professional bodybuilding.
Lee also faced criticism for his candid statements about drug use in bodybuilding. While many athletes avoid the topic, Lee spoke openly about the reality of performance enhancement in the sport, earning both praise for honesty and criticism for potentially harming the sport’s image.
His social media presence occasionally sparked controversy when Lee posted unfiltered opinions about other bodybuilders, judges’ decisions, or federation politics. These moments reflected his refusal to play political games even when it might benefit his career.
A public disagreement with his former mentor and bodybuilding legend Tom Platz created headlines within the community. The dispute showed how even bodybuilding friendships could fracture under business pressures and differing philosophies.
Assets & Investments
Lee built a collection of assets throughout his career. While not at the financial level of top Mr. Olympia winners, he made smart choices with his earnings. His property investments include real estate in both Australia and the United States, providing rental income and appreciation over time.
Car enthusiasts recognize Lee for his impressive vehicle collection. His garage houses several drag racing cars built for competition along with street-legal muscle cars. These vehicles combine his passion for racing with investment potential, as certain performance cars increase in value over time.
Lee invested in gym equipment to build a comprehensive home training facility. This private gym allows him to train without distractions while also serving as a setting for content creation and occasional private coaching sessions.
Memorabilia from Lee’s competitive days represents another form of investment. Championship trophies, magazine covers, and competition photographs maintain value within the bodybuilding community and could appreciate as his legacy grows.
His business ventures include supplements and clothing lines that generate ongoing revenue while building brand equity connected to his name.
House
Lee splits his time between residences in Australia and the United States. His main home features practical luxury rather than flashy extravagance. The property includes sufficient space for his car collection with a specialized garage area for maintenance and modifications.
The defining feature of Lee’s house is his home gym. This fully-equipped training space rivals commercial facilities with multiple power racks, specialized machines, and a comprehensive dumbbell collection ranging from light weights to the heavy poundages Lee still pushes. The gym walls display memorabilia from his competition days alongside photos with bodybuilding legends.
His kitchen accommodates the demands of a bodybuilder’s diet with extra refrigerator space, meal prep areas, and high-end cooking equipment. This setup supports the nutrition needs that remain important even past his competition days.
The property also includes outdoor space where Lee can relax between training sessions, with enough privacy to avoid the public attention that still comes with being a recognizable figure in the fitness world.
Lee Priest Worth
Lee Priest’s net worth falls between $600,000 and $1.2 million according to various financial estimation sites. This figure reflects his career earnings minus lifestyle expenses over several decades in the sport.
This estimate includes the value of his real estate holdings, vehicle collection, and business interests. The range accounts for the private nature of Lee’s finances and fluctuations in asset values, particularly his car collection and property investments.
While substantial, Lee’s net worth sits below some contemporaries who won multiple Mr. Olympia titles or secured major movie roles. This difference highlights how even successful bodybuilders who don’t reach the absolute pinnacle of the sport face financial ceilings compared to those who achieve mainstream crossover success.
Lee continues to build his financial position through YouTube revenue, personal appearances, and business ventures. His straightforward approach to money mirrors his personality – practical rather than flashy, with a focus on security and passion projects rather than status symbols.
Final Thoughts on Lee Priest’s Legacy
Lee Priest carved out a unique place in bodybuilding history. With genetics that allowed him to build cartoon-like muscle on a smaller frame, he proved that height limitations couldn’t stop someone with determination and natural gifts. His arms remain the standard that many bodybuilders still measure themselves against today.
Beyond his physique, Lee’s lasting impact comes from his authenticity. In a sport often criticized for cookie-cutter personalities and rehearsed statements, Lee spoke his mind regardless of consequences. This honesty cost him politically at times but earned him a dedicated fan base that supports him decades into his career.
For new fans discovering bodybuilding, Lee represents an era when personalities were as massive as the muscles. His combination of world-class development, competitive longevity, and unfiltered opinions makes him a study in what’s possible when natural talent meets relentless work ethic.
What’s your favorite Lee Priest moment or physique era? Share your thoughts below!
