Cynthia Rothrock
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- March 8, 1957
- 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.
Movies with Cynthia Rothrock
- Eye for an Eye 1996 · ★ 6.3
- Mercenaries 2014 · ★ 5.1
- The Last Kumite 2024 · ★ 6.7
- No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder 1987 · ★ 6.0
- Yes, Madam! 1985 · ★ 7.2
- Martial Law 1990 · ★ 6.2
- Righting Wrongs 1986 · ★ 7.6
- Undefeatable 1993 · ★ 5.3
- Martial Law II: Undercover 1991 · ★ 6.1
- China O'Brien 1990 · ★ 5.5
- Millionaires' Express 1986 · ★ 6.7
- Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks 2019 · ★ 6.7
- Cool Cat Saves the Kids 2015 · ★ 3.3
- Tiger Claws 1991 · ★ 6.0
- In Search of the Last Action Heroes 2019 · ★ 6.9
- The Inspector Wears Skirts 1988 · ★ 6.2
- Showdown in Manila 2016 · ★ 3.3
- Tiger Claws II 1996 · ★ 5.7
- China O'Brien II 1990 · ★ 5.0
- Honor and Glory 1992 · ★ 4.4
- New York Ninja 2021 · ★ 4.8
- Fast Getaway 1991 · ★ 5.9
- Rage and Honor 1992 · ★ 5.1
- Sworn to Justice 1996 · ★ 5.3
- Magic Crystal 1986 · ★ 6.6
- Lady Dragon 1992 · ★ 5.4
- The Best of the Martial Arts Films 1990 · ★ 8.8
- The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! 1997 · ★ 5.4
- Lady Reporter 1989 · ★ 6.5
- Tiger Claws III 1999 · ★ 4.2
- Taken from Rio Bravo 2024 · ★ 7.0
- Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover 1993 · ★ 5.4
- Lady Scorpions 2024 · ★ 5.8
- Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine 2017 · ★ 3.8
- Darkness of Man 2025 · ★ 5.3
- Prince of the Sun 1990 · ★ 5.1
- Outside the Law 2002 · ★ 4.2
- City Cops 1989 · ★ 5.6
- Night Vision 1997 · ★ 5.4
- Guardian Angel 1994 · ★ 4.7