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
Credits
- 2025 · Darkness of Man as Nurse Leslie
- 2024 · American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures as Self (archive footage)
- 2024 · The Last Kumite as Julie Jackson
- 2024 · Fyre Rises as Commander Bodie
- 2024 · No Time To Think as Rachel Adams
- 2023 · Buckle Up as Lady X
- 2022 · Ryan Carson as Ally Watson
- 2021 · Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja' as Self
- 2021 · New York Ninja as Det. Janet Flores (voice)
- 2019 · Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks as Self
- 2018 · Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece as Counter Attendant
- 2017 · Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine as Kandra Syn
- 2016 · Showdown in Manila as Haines
- 2015 · Cool Cat Saves the Kids as Momma Cat
- 2012 · Santa's Summer House as Nanna
- 2012 · Too Young to Die as Self
- 2002 · The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies as Self
- 2002 · Through the Night with... as Self
- 1997 · The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! as Bertha Jo
- 1996 · Sworn to Justice as Janna
- 1996 · American Tigers as Herself
- 1996 · Tiger Claws II as Linda Masterson
- 1996 · Eye for an Eye as Tina
- 1995 · Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities as Self
- 1995 · Hercules: The Legendary Journeys as Enforcer II
- 1995 · Portrait in Red as Laurel
- 1994 · Guardian Angel as Cynthia McKay
- 1994 · Fast Getaway II as Lilly
- 1993 · Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover as Kris Fairchild
- 1992 · Eek! The Cat as Cynthia Rothrock (voice)
- 1992 · Rage and Honor as Kris Fairchild
- 1992 · Angel Of Fury as Nancy Bolan
- 1991 · Martial Law II: Undercover as Billie Blake
- 1990 · Martial Law as Billie Blake
- 1990 · Prince of the Sun as Bencheuk
- 1990 · China O'Brien II as China O'Brien
- 1989 · City Cops as Inspector Cindy
- 1989 · Lady Reporter as Cindy
- 1988 · The Inspector Wears Skirts as Madam Law
- 1987 · No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder as Terry
- 1987 · Fight to Win as Sensei Lauren
- 1986 · Righting Wrongs as Senior Insp. Sandy Jones / Cindy Si
- 1986 · Magic Crystal as Cindy Morgan
- 1986 · Millionaires' Express as Mountain Bandit
- Future · Operation Dagon as
- 2025 · Dying for Living as Sin
- 2024 · Black Creek as Rose Jennings
- 2024 · Lady Scorpions as Alena Moore
- 2024 · Taken from Rio Bravo as Margaret
- 2020 · The Art of Action as Self
- 2019 · In Search of the Last Action Heroes as Herself
- 2018 · Cool Cat Kids Superhero as Momma Cat
- 2017 · Death Fighter as Valerie
- 2017 · Fists of Fury as Self
- 2017 · A Doggone Hollywood as Mom in Car
- 2016 · Asian Ghost Story as
- 2015 · The Martial Arts Kid as Cindy
- 2014 · Mercenaries as Mona
- 2014 · Spirit2Power as Self
- 2013 · Badass Showdown as Ivy
- 2004 · Sci-Fighter as Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
- 2003 · Lost Bullet as Cynthia
- 2002 · Modern Warriors as Self
- 2002 · Outside the Law as Julie Cosgrove
- 2002 · Redemption as Erin Murphy
- 2000 · Manhattan Chase as Nancy
- 1999 · Tiger Claws III as Linda Masterson
- 1998 · Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes as Self
- 1998 · The Hostage as Agent Rebecca Peters
- 1997 · Deep Cover as FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
- 1997 · Night Vision as Kristin O'Connor
- 1994 · Cinema of Vengeance as Self
- 1993 · Lady Dragon 2 as Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan
- 1993 · Irresistible Force as Charlotte Heller
- 1993 · Undefeatable as Kristi Jones
- 1993 · Angel the Kickboxer as Kristi Jones
- 1992 · Honor and Glory as Tracey Pride
- 1992 · Lady Dragon as Kathy Galagher
- 1991 · Tiger Claws as Linda Masterson
- 1991 · Fast Getaway as Lilly
- 1991 · Tiada Titik Balik as Kathy
- 1990 · China O'Brien as China O'Brien
- 1990 · No Witnesses as
- 1985 · Yes, Madam! as Senior Inspector Carrie Morris
- Future · Prey of Wrath as Brenda Sands
- 1988 · Jungle Heat as
- 1985 · 24 Hours to Midnight as Devon Grady
- Future · Vendetta Vette as LaRue
- Future · Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story as Self
- 1985 · Defend Yourself! as Herself