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
2025
- Darkness of Man as Nurse Leslie
- Dying for Living as Sin
2024
- Black Creek as Rose Jennings
- Lady Scorpions as Alena Moore
- The Last Kumite as Julie Jackson
- Fyre Rises as Commander Bodie
- No Time To Think as Rachel Adams
- Taken from Rio Bravo as Margaret
- American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures as Self (archive footage)
2023
- Buckle Up as Lady X
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 Herself
2018
- Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece as Counter Attendant
- Cool Cat Kids Superhero as Momma Cat
2017
- Death Fighter as Valerie
- Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine as Kandra Syn
- A Doggone Hollywood as Mom in Car
- Fists of Fury as Self
2016
- Showdown in Manila as Haines
- Asian Ghost Story
2015
- Cool Cat Saves the Kids as Momma Cat
- The Martial Arts Kid as Cindy
2014
- Mercenaries as Mona
- Spirit2Power as Self
2013
- Badass Showdown as Ivy
2012
- Santa's Summer House as Nanna
- Too Young to Die as Self
2004
- Sci-Fighter as Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
2003
- Lost Bullet as Cynthia
2002
- Redemption as Erin Murphy
- Through the Night with... as Self
- Modern Warriors as Self
- Outside the Law as Julie Cosgrove
- The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies as Self
2000
- Manhattan Chase as Nancy
1999
- Tiger Claws III as Linda Masterson
1998
- The Hostage as Agent Rebecca Peters
- Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes as Self
1997
- Deep Cover as FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
- Night Vision as Kristin O'Connor
- The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! as Bertha Jo
1996
- American Tigers as Herself
- Eye for an Eye as Tina
- Tiger Claws II as Linda Masterson
- Sworn to Justice as Janna
1995
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys as Enforcer II
- Portrait in Red as Laurel
- Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities as Self
1994
- Guardian Angel as Cynthia McKay
- Fast Getaway II as Lilly
- Cinema of Vengeance as Self
1993
- Irresistible Force as Charlotte Heller
- Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover as Kris Fairchild
- Lady Dragon 2 as Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan
- Undefeatable as Kristi Jones
- Angel the Kickboxer as Kristi Jones
1992
- Lady Dragon as Kathy Galagher
- Eek! The Cat as Cynthia Rothrock (voice)
- Angel Of Fury as Nancy Bolan
- Honor and Glory as Tracey Pride
- Rage and Honor as Kris Fairchild
1991
- Tiger Claws as Linda Masterson
- Fast Getaway as Lilly
- Martial Law II: Undercover as Billie Blake
1990
- Martial Law as Billie Blake
- Prince of the Sun as Bencheuk
- China O'Brien II as China O'Brien
- No Witnesses
- China O'Brien as China O'Brien
1989
- Lady Reporter as Cindy
- City Cops as Inspector 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