Known For
Acting
Born
Mar 08, 1957
Place of Birth
Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Credits
96 titles
Cynthia Rothrock
Biography
Cynthia Rothrock (born March 8, 1957) is an American martial artist and actress in martial arts films. She holds black belt rankings in seven styles of martial arts and was a high-level competitor in martial arts before becoming an actress. In 2014, she was inducted into the International Sports Hall Of Fame. In 2016, Martial Arts History Museum bestowed Rothrock the official title of "The Queen Of Martial Arts." Rothrock was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and began training in martial arts at the age of 13. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning numerous championships in karate, kickboxing and taekwondo. In 1981, she was named World Champion in Forms and Weapons. In 1985, Rothrock made her film debut, alongside Michelle Yeoh, in the Hong Kong action film "Yes, Madam!" The film was a box office success and made Rothrock a star in Asia. She went on to star in several more Hong Kong films, including "Millionaires' Express" (1986), "Magic Crystal" (1986), "Righting Wrongs" (1986) and "Lady Reporter" (1989). Rothrock would return to the United States to further her acting career in many more martial arts films, including two "China O'Brien" movies in 1990, as well as "Lady Dragon" (1992), "Rage And Honor" (1992) and "Sworn To Justice" (1996). In 2024, Rothrock co-wrote, produced and starred in a crowd-funded martial arts western, entitled "Black Creek," for which there's also an accompanying graphic novel. Rothrock made history by becoming the inaugural woman to grace the cover of Karate Illustrated (August 1981)[20] and holds the distinction of being the first woman featured on the cover three times in the magazine's history. In March 2024, Black Belt Magazine named Rothrock in its list of "The Most Influential Women Martial Artists on the Planet." Along with teaching martial arts, Rothrock is also a successful businesswoman, with her own line of martial arts clothing and accessories.
Known For
Filmography
Black Creek: Retribution
Rose Jennings
Prey of Wrath
Brenda Sands
The Untold Story of No Retreat No Surrender
Self
Dying for Living
Sin
Darkness of Man
Nurse Leslie
Black Creek
Rose Jennings
Lady Scorpions
Alena Moore
American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures
Self (archive footage)
The Last Kumite
Julie Jackson
Fyre Rises
Commander Bodie
Taken from Rio Bravo
Margaret
No Time To Think
Rachel Adams
Buckle Up
Lady X
The Hanged Man: The Story of Ron Van Clief
Herself
Ryan Carson
Ally Watson
New York Ninja
Det. Janet Flores (voice)
Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'
Self
The Art of Action
Self
In Search of the Last Action Heroes
Self
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
Self
Cool Cat Kids Superhero
Momma Cat
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
Counter Attendant
Death Fighter
Valerie
Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine
Kandra Syn
Fists of Fury
Self
A Doggone Hollywood
Mom in Car
Asian Ghost Story
Showdown in Manila
Haines
The Martial Arts Kid
Cindy
Cool Cat Saves the Kids
Momma Cat
Mercenaries
Mona
Spirit2Power
Self
Badass Showdown
Ivy
Santa's Summer House
Nanna
Too Young to Die
Self
Sci-Fighter
Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
Lost Bullet
Cynthia
Modern Warriors
Self
Outside the Law
Julie Cosgrove
The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies
Self
Redemption
Erin Murphy
Through the Night with...
Self
Manhattan Chase
Nancy
Tiger Claws III
Linda Masterson
Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes
Self
The Hostage
Agent Rebecca Peters
Deep Cover
FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!
Bertha Jo
Night Vision
Kristin O'Connor
Sworn to Justice
Janna