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 · Black Creek as Rose Jennings
- 2024 · Lady Scorpions as Alena Moore
- 2024 · American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures as Self (archive footage)
- 2024 · The Last Kumite as Julie Jackson
- 2024 · Taken from Rio Bravo as Margaret
- 2023 · Buckle Up as Lady X
- 2022 · Ryan Carson as Ally Watson
- 2018 · Cool Cat Kids Superhero as Momma Cat
- 2017 · Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine as Kandra Syn
- 2017 · A Doggone Hollywood as Mom in Car
- 2015 · Cool Cat Saves the Kids as Momma Cat
- 2014 · Mercenaries as Mona
- 2014 · Spirit2Power as Self
- 2012 · Too Young to Die as Self
- 2004 · Sci-Fighter as Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
- 2002 · Redemption as Erin Murphy
- 2002 · Through the Night with... as Self
- 2000 · Manhattan Chase as Nancy
- 1997 · The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! as Bertha Jo
- 1997 · Night Vision as Kristin O'Connor
- 1996 · American Tigers as Herself
- 1996 · Tiger Claws II as Linda Masterson
- 1996 · Eye for an Eye as Tina
- 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
- 1994 · Cinema of Vengeance as Self
- 1993 · Irresistible Force as Charlotte Heller
- 1993 · Undefeatable as Kristi Jones
- 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
- Future · Operation Dagon as
- 2025 · Dying for Living as Sin
- 2024 · Fyre Rises as Commander Bodie
- 2024 · No Time To Think as Rachel Adams
- 2021 · New York Ninja as Det. Janet Flores (voice)
- 2021 · Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja' as Self
- 2020 · The Art of Action as Self
- 2019 · In Search of the Last Action Heroes as Herself
- 2019 · Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks as Self
- 2018 · Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece as Counter Attendant
- 2017 · Death Fighter as Valerie
- 2017 · Fists of Fury as Self
- 2016 · Asian Ghost Story as
- 2016 · Showdown in Manila as Haines
- 2015 · The Martial Arts Kid as Cindy
- 2013 · Badass Showdown as Ivy
- 2012 · Santa's Summer House as Nanna
- 2003 · Lost Bullet as Cynthia
- 2002 · Modern Warriors as Self
- 2002 · Outside the Law as Julie Cosgrove
- 2002 · The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies as Self
- 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
- 1996 · Sworn to Justice as Janna
- 1995 · Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities as Self
- 1993 · Lady Dragon 2 as Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan
- 1993 · Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover as Kris Fairchild
- 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 · Prince of the Sun as Bencheuk
- 1990 · China O'Brien II as China O'Brien
- 1990 · China O'Brien as China O'Brien
- 1990 · No Witnesses as
- 1989 · City Cops as Inspector Cindy
- 1989 · Lady Reporter as Cindy
- 1988 · The Inspector Wears Skirts as Madam Law
- 1988 · Jungle Heat as
- 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
- 1985 · Yes, Madam! as Senior Inspector Carrie Morris
- Future · Vendetta Vette as LaRue
- Future · Prey of Wrath as Brenda Sands
- 1985 · Defend Yourself! as Herself
- 1985 · 24 Hours to Midnight as Devon Grady
- Future · Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story as Self