
Cynthia Rothrock
Born: 1957-03-08
Place of Birth: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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.
Known For

The Last Kumite

Guardian Angel

Martial Law

Darkness of Man

Ryan Carson

Irresistible Force

Mercenaries

American Tigers

Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'

Spirit2Power

Yes, Madam!

Manhattan Chase

Undefeatable

Lady Scorpions

Eye for an Eye

Black Creek

Fight to Win

Redemption

Tiger Claws

The Inspector Wears Skirts

Fast Getaway

Modern Warriors

No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder

Showdown in Manila

Cool Cat Saves the Kids

No Time To Think

Rage and Honor

Prince of the Sun

Millionaires' Express

Lady Reporter

Righting Wrongs

Sci-Fighter

Lady Dragon

Dying for Living

Magic Crystal

Tiger Claws II

City Cops

Death Fighter

Deep Cover

Prey of Wrath

The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!

A Doggone Hollywood

24 Hours to Midnight

Martial Law II: Undercover

Asian Ghost Story

Cinema of Vengeance

New York Ninja

Tiger Claws III

China O'Brien II

Fast Getaway II

Tiada Titik Balik

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks

Angel Of Fury

Honor and Glory

China O'Brien

Jungle Heat

Lady Dragon 2

Sworn to Justice

Portrait in Red

Taken from Rio Bravo

Badass Showdown

Lost Bullet

Night Vision

The Martial Arts Kid

Buckle Up

Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine

Outside the Law

The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies

Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece

Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover

Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story

In Search of the Last Action Heroes

Fists of Fury

Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes

Santa's Summer House

American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures

Angel the Kickboxer

Cool Cat Kids Superhero

The Hostage
