Cynthia Rothrock
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
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
Enforcer II
Eek! The Cat
Cynthia Rothrock (voice)
Too Young to Die
Self
Eye for an Eye
Tina
Darkness of Man
Nurse Leslie
Angel the Kickboxer
Kristi Jones
The Last Kumite
Julie Jackson
Death Fighter
Valerie
New York Ninja
Det. Janet Flores (voice)
Millionaires' Express
Mountain Bandit
Yes, Madam!
Senior Inspector Carrie Morris
Righting Wrongs
Senior Insp. Sandy Jones / Cindy Si
No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder
Terry
Mercenaries
Mona
Black Creek
Rose Jennings
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
Self
A Doggone Hollywood
Mom in Car
Santa's Summer House
Nanna
Magic Crystal
Cindy Morgan
The Inspector Wears Skirts
Madam Law
Martial Law II: Undercover
Billie Blake
Tiger Claws II
Linda Masterson
Lady Reporter
Cindy
Rage and Honor
Kris Fairchild
Top Fighter 2
Self (archive footage)
Cool Cat Saves the Kids
Momma Cat
Prince of the Sun
Bencheuk
Buckle Up
Lady X
Undefeatable
Kristi Jones
The Best of the Martial Arts Films
Self (archive footage)
Guardian Angel
Cynthia McKay
Showdown in Manila
Haines
The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies
Self
Sworn to Justice
Janna
Martial Law
Billie Blake
Lady Scorpions
Alena Moore
Tiger Claws
Linda Masterson
Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover
Kris Fairchild
Honor and Glory
Tracey Pride
China O'Brien II
China O'Brien
The Martial Arts Kid
Cindy
The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!
Bertha Jo
Taken from Rio Bravo
Margaret
China O'Brien
China O'Brien
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
Counter Attendant
Fast Getaway
Lilly
Night Vision
Kristin O'Connor
Lady Dragon
Kathy Galagher
Outside the Law
Julie Cosgrove
In Search of the Last Action Heroes
Herself
Tiger Claws III
Linda Masterson
American Tigers
Herself
City Cops
Inspector Cindy
Redemption
Erin Murphy
Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine
Kandra Syn
Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes
Self
Irresistible Force
Charlotte Heller
Sci-Fighter
Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
Deep Cover
FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story
Self
The Hostage
Agent Rebecca Peters
Lady Dragon 2
Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan
Fyre Rises
Commander Bodie
Modern Warriors
Self
Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'
Self
24 Hours to Midnight
Devon Grady
Fast Getaway II
Lilly
Angel Of Fury
Nancy Bolan
Prey of Wrath
Brenda Sands
Portrait in Red
Laurel
Jungle Heat
Cinema of Vengeance
Self
Lost Bullet
Cynthia
Fight to Win
Sensei Lauren
No Witnesses
American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures
Self (archive footage)
Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities
Self
Ryan Carson
Ally Watson
Badass Showdown
Ivy
Through the Night with...
Self
Fists of Fury
Self
Operation Dagon
Cool Cat Kids Superhero
Momma Cat
Asian Ghost Story
Spirit2Power
Self
Manhattan Chase
Nancy
Cool Cat Bloopers 'Behind the Scenes' Footage
Mama Cat (Voiceover)
Defend Yourself!
Herself
No Time To Think
Rachel Adams
The Art of Action
Self