Cynthia Rothrock

Known for ActingBorn 1957-03-08 (age 69)Wilmington, Delaware, USA

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.Read more

Movies & web series

Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities

No Witnesses

Defend Yourself!

Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes

The Art of Action

Through the Night with...

Righting Wrongs

Too Young to Die

In Search of the Last Action Heroes

Taken from Rio Bravo

The Last Kumite

Yes, Madam!

Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Eek! The Cat

Death Fighter

The Martial Arts Kid

Millionaires' Express

Magic Crystal

Lady Reporter

Eye for an Eye

Redemption

Martial Law

Cinema of Vengeance

Martial Law II: Undercover

The Inspector Wears Skirts

Lady Scorpions

Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'

Fast Getaway

The Word

The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies

Darkness of Man

No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder

Fyre Rises

Manhattan Chase

Modern Warriors

City Cops

The Hostage

Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover

Tiger Claws

China O'Brien

Sworn to Justice

The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!

Fight to Win

Night Vision

Irresistible Force

Lady Dragon

Lost Bullet