Cynthia Rothrock
Born: 1957-03-08 in Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Known For: Acting
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.
Filmography
2027
- Black Creek: Retribution as Rose Jennings
2026
- The Untold Story of No Retreat No Surrender as Self
- Prey of Wrath as Brenda Sands
2025
- Darkness of Man as Nurse Leslie
- Dying for Living as Sin
2024
- The Last Kumite as Julie Jackson
- Black Creek as Rose Jennings
- Lady Scorpions as Alena Moore
- Taken from Rio Bravo as Margaret
- Fyre Rises as Commander Bodie
- American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures as Self (archive footage)
- No Time To Think as Rachel Adams
2023
- Buckle Up as Lady X
- The Hanged Man: The Story of Ron Van Clief as Herself
2022
- Ryan Carson as Ally Watson
2021
- New York Ninja as Det. Janet Flores (voice)
- Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja' as Self
2020
- The Art of Action as Self
2019
- Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks as Self
- In Search of the Last Action Heroes as Self
2018
- Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece as Counter Attendant
- Cool Cat Kids Superhero as Momma Cat
2017
- Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine as Kandra Syn
- Death Fighter as Valerie
- A Doggone Hollywood as Mom in Car
- Fists of Fury as Self
2016
- Showdown in Manila as Haines
- Asian Ghost Story
2015
- The Martial Arts Kid as Cindy
- Cool Cat Saves the Kids as Momma Cat
2014
- Mercenaries as Mona
- Spirit2Power as Self
2013
- Badass Showdown as Ivy
2012
- Too Young to Die as Self
- Santa's Summer House as Nanna
2004
- Sci-Fighter as Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
2003
- Lost Bullet as Cynthia
2002
- Through the Night with... as Self
- The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies as Self
- Outside the Law as Julie Cosgrove
- Modern Warriors as Self
- 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
- The Hostage as Agent Rebecca Peters
1997
- The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! as Bertha Jo
- Night Vision as Kristin O'Connor
- Deep Cover as FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
1996
- Eye for an Eye as Tina
- Sworn to Justice as Janna
- American Tigers as Herself
- Tiger Claws II as Linda Masterson
1995
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys as Enforcer II
- Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities as Self
- Portrait in Red as Laurel
1994
- Guardian Angel as Cynthia McKay
- Cinema of Vengeance as Self
- Fast Getaway II as Lilly
1993
- Undefeatable as Kristi Jones
- Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover as Kris Fairchild
- Irresistible Force as Charlotte Heller
- Lady Dragon 2 as Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan
- Angel the Kickboxer as Kristi Jones
1992
- Eek! The Cat as Cynthia Rothrock (voice)
- Honor and Glory as Tracey Pride
- Angel Of Fury as Nancy Bolan
- Rage and Honor as Kris Fairchild
- Lady Dragon as Kathy Galagher
1991
- Martial Law II: Undercover as Billie Blake
- Fast Getaway as Lilly
- Tiger Claws as Linda Masterson
- Tiada Titik Balik as Kathy
1990
- Prince of the Sun as Bencheuk
- Martial Law as Billie Blake
- China O'Brien as China O'Brien
- China O'Brien II as China O'Brien
- No Witnesses
1989
- City Cops as Inspector Cindy
- Lady Reporter as Cindy
1988
- The Inspector Wears Skirts as Madam Law
- Jungle Heat
1987
- No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder as Terry
- Fight to Win as Sensei Lauren
1986
- Millionaires' Express as Mountain Bandit
- Righting Wrongs as Senior Insp. Sandy Jones / Cindy Si
- Magic Crystal as Cindy Morgan
1985
- Yes, Madam! as Senior Inspector Carrie Morris
- 24 Hours to Midnight as Devon Grady
- Defend Yourself! as Herself