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Cedric McMillan Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth17 August 1977

Age44 (at time of death)

BirthplaceMaplewood, New Jersey, U.S.

ProfessionIFBB Professional Bodybuilder, United States Army Instructor

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusMarried

SpouseEva Matulessy McMillan

FamilyFour children: Seven, Isaac, Eli, and Lemae

Cedric McMillan Biography

Cedric McMillan was an American IFBB professional bodybuilder and U.S. Army instructor known for a classic, aesthetic physique. A successful competitor and

Early life and background
Cedric McMillan was born on August 17, 1977, in Maplewood, New Jersey, and grew up with a strong interest in muscular development and athletic pursuits. As a child he enjoyed drawing comic characters with classic, muscular proportions, and by his early teens he had begun weight training after receiving a weight set from his mother. He attended Clinton Elementary School and later Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He excelled in running during his school years and was active in sports.

After high school McMillan relocated to Lancaster, South Carolina, and joined the U.S. Army. Military service played an important role in his life and identity; he would go on to serve in different capacities, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class and working as an instructor at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was also a member of the South Carolina National Guard.

Career
McMillan began his competitive bodybuilding career in 2007 in the super heavyweight category at the NPC South Carolina Championship. He moved up quickly through the amateur ranks, earning first place at the NPC Junior USA Championships in 2008 and turning professional after winning the 2009 National Championship.

As a professional, McMillan accumulated multiple victories, including wins at the Orlando Show of Champions, the New York Pro Championships, and the Golden State Pro Championships. Over the course of his career he recorded eight professional wins. In 2017 he won the Arnold Classic Ohio, a milestone that brought him the chance to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger and wide recognition for his return to a classic aesthetic in Men’s Open bodybuilding. Despite strong showings and respect for his classic lines, McMillan did not achieve notable placings at the Mr. Olympia finals.

He continued to compete on the pro circuit into the late 2010s and last appeared at the Arnold Classic Ohio in 2020, where he placed sixth. In addition to his competition schedule, he appeared on the covers of fitness magazines such as Muscular Development and was sponsored by supplement companies including Black Skull USA.

Public profile
McMillan was known publicly as “The One” and for an imposing yet classical look: around 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm) with an off-season weight near 300 pounds (136 kg) and a competition weight near 256 pounds (116 kg). Published measurements list a 52-inch chest, a 34-inch waist, and 23-inch biceps. He had dark brown eyes and black hair.

Outside the gym and show stage, McMillan enjoyed sketching and listening to music. He was a bike enthusiast and owned a Kawasaki Hayabusa Turbo, and he was a dog lover who had a bulldog. He often described himself as a family man and kept close relationships with childhood friends. McMillan lived in Heath Springs, South Carolina, prior to his death.

Health and later years
In 2021 McMillan contracted COVID-19 and experienced significant complications, including breathing difficulties and pneumonia that required hospitalization and life support for a period. He recovered from those acute issues but delayed a competitive comeback because of ongoing health concerns. A few months before his death he had announced plans to return to bodybuilding.

Death
On April 12, 2022, Cedric McMillan suffered a fatal heart attack while on a treadmill and was pronounced dead at age 44. The news was publicly confirmed by his long-time sponsor Black Skull USA, which expressed condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

Legacy
McMillan is remembered for blending classic aesthetics with modern size in Men’s Open bodybuilding, his competitive achievements including the 2017 Arnold Classic Ohio title, and his dual career as a professional athlete and U.S. Army instructor. He is survived by his wife, Eva Matulessy McMillan, and their four children, Seven, Isaac, Eli, and Lemae.
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Recent Work

2020 Arnold Classic Ohio

Placed 6th at the Arnold Classic Ohio, his last major competition appearance.

2020
2017 Arnold Classic Ohio

Winner of the Arnold Classic Ohio, noted as his most significant victory.

2017
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Career Highlights

  1. Became an IFBB professional after winning the 2009 National Championship
  2. Eight professional wins including New York Pro and Golden State Pro titles
  3. Winner of the 2017 Arnold Classic Ohio
  4. Served as a U.S. Army instructor and rose to Sergeant First Class
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cedric McMillan born?

17 August 1977

What is Cedric McMillan known for?

IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, United States Army Instructor

What is Cedric McMillan’s marital status?

Married

Who is Cedric McMillan married to?

Eva Matulessy McMillan