Cynthia Rothrock

Acting

Born Mar 08, 1957

From Wilmington, Delaware, USA

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.

Cynthia Rothrock

Known For

Yes, Madam!

Millionaires' Express

Darkness of Man

Righting Wrongs

Eye for an Eye

The Inspector Wears Skirts

Lady Reporter

City Cops

Magic Crystal

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks

Filmography — Acting

Yes, Madam!

Millionaires' Express

Darkness of Man

Righting Wrongs

Eye for an Eye

The Inspector Wears Skirts

Lady Reporter

City Cops

Magic Crystal

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks

Prince of the Sun

No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder

The Last Kumite

New York Ninja

Mercenaries

Undefeatable

Black Creek

Guardian Angel

Fyre Rises

Martial Law II: Undercover

Lady Scorpions

Cinema of Vengeance

The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies

Sworn to Justice

In Search of the Last Action Heroes

Martial Law

Redemption

The Martial Arts Kid

Showdown in Manila

Modern Warriors

The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!

Tiger Claws

China O'Brien II

China O'Brien

Tiger Claws II

Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes

Honor and Glory

Santa's Summer House

Night Vision

Fast Getaway

Dying for Living

The Untold Story of No Retreat No Surrender

Tiger Claws III

Irresistible Force

Outside the Law

Buckle Up

Lady Dragon

Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece

Manhattan Chase

Rage and Honor

Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine

Angel the Kickboxer

American Tigers

Taken from Rio Bravo

Sci-Fighter

The Hostage

Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities

Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story

Cool Cat Saves the Kids

Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover

Lady Dragon 2

Fight to Win

Death Fighter

Deep Cover

Cool Cat Kids Superhero

Ryan Carson

Fast Getaway II