A native of Detroit, Michigan, Murray has always been a trailblazer. She began her illustrious career by winning her first professional contest, quickly establishing herself as the world’s premier female bodybuilder. Murray’s athletic journey is storied, marked by her high school record in the 100-yard dash and her participation in cheerleading at Henry Ford High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, with a minor in Practical Writing, from Western Michigan University, where she was also an active cheerleader and dancer. In 1982, she made history as the second African-American student elected homecoming queen at the university.

Murray’s public presence expanded when she joined the USFL Michigan Panther’s first cheerleading squad, eventually becoming co-captain during their 1983 championship season. Her time as a Pantherette honed her skills in public speaking and interacting with diverse audiences.

Transitioning into bodybuilding, Murray’s career took off when she won both the 1988 Michigan State Bodybuilding Championship and the Great Lakes Championships. In 1989, she achieved pro status by winning the NPC Junior Nationals and the IFBB North American Championships, catapulting her into national prominence. Her victory at the 1990 Ms. Olympia, overcoming 29 world-class competitors, marked the beginning of her reign, which included six consecutive titles, tying Cory Everson’s record. After a brief retirement, Murray returned in 2002 to secure two more consecutive wins, breaking the record and cementing her legacy.

Murray’s influence extends beyond bodybuilding. In 2015, she featured in Adam Sandler’s movie “Ridiculous Six,” a national Wendy’s commercial, and most recently, the Netflix documentary “Killer Sally” in 2023. Her media presence includes appearances on Geraldo Rivera, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and hosting ESPN’s Muscle Magazine. She was a regular on ESPN’s Flex Magazine Workout Show and today provides commentary for the Olympia World Championships on Pay-Per-View.

Her prominence is reflected in numerous magazines covers and features in Muscle and Fitness, Flex, and Shape. Renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Martin Schoeller have included her in their works. Murray has graced the pages of Vanity Fair, Essence, Ebony, Allure, Mademoiselle, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, as well as major newspapers like USA Today, the New York Times, and Rolling Stone.

Today, Lenda Murray resides in Chandler, AZ, serving as the spokesperson for Wings of Strength and celebrating her 20th year as an IFBB and NPC Fitness Producer. She hosts Olympia TV on YouTube and hosts her own workout show, The Lenda Murray Experience, where she interviews and trains with top Olympia champions. In 2019 she founded Crystal Planet Nutrition, a Nutritional Supplement line that focuses on Anti-Aging. Muscle and Fitness aptly describes Lenda as “the shape of things to come,” a testament to her enduring influence and iconic symmetry.

Lenda Murray continues to inspire and shape the future of bodybuilding.