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.
94 acting credits
Acting · 94
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
1995
Eek! The Cat
1992
Through the Night with...
2002
The Art of Action
2020
Too Young to Die
2012
Yes, Madam!
1985
Eye for an Eye
1996
Millionaires' Express
1986
Righting Wrongs
1986
The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies
2002
Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes
1998
The Inspector Wears Skirts
1988
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
2019
No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder
1987
Darkness of Man
2025
Sworn to Justice
1996
Martial Law II: Undercover
1991
Magic Crystal
1986
The Last Kumite
2024
Lady Reporter
1989
Prince of the Sun
1990
Mercenaries
2014
Sci-Fighter
2004
In Search of the Last Action Heroes
2019
The Untold Story of No Retreat No Surrender
2026
Guardian Angel
1994
Black Creek
2024
Dying for Living
2025
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
2018
City Cops
1989
Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover
1993
Cinema of Vengeance
1994
New York Ninja
2021
Martial Law
1990
Undefeatable
1993
Showdown in Manila
2016
Fast Getaway II
1994
Tiger Claws II
1996
Buckle Up
2023
China O'Brien
1990
Modern Warriors
2002
A Doggone Hollywood
2017
Fyre Rises
2024
Outside the Law
2002
American Tigers
1996
Tiger Claws
1991
China O'Brien II
1990
Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities
1995
Rage and Honor
1992
The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!
1997
Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine
2017
Night Vision
1997
Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story
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Irresistible Force
1993
Santa's Summer House
2012
The Martial Arts Kid
2015
Lady Scorpions
2024
Redemption
2002
Taken from Rio Bravo
2024
Angel the Kickboxer
1993
Fast Getaway
1991
Death Fighter
2017
Jungle Heat
1988
Lady Dragon
1992
Honor and Glory
1992
Жертва на гнева
2026
Lost Bullet
2003
Cool Cat Saves the Kids
2015
Angel Of Fury
1992
Manhattan Chase
2000
Tiger Claws III
1999
Ryan Carson
2022
Lady Dragon 2
1993
Portrait in Red
1995
Badass Showdown
2013
The Hostage
1998
Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'
2021
24 Hours to Midnight
1985
Deep Cover
1997
Operation Dagon
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Black Creek: Retribution
2027
American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures
2024
Cool Cat Kids Superhero
2018
Spirit2Power
2014
Fight to Win
1987
No Time To Think
2024
No Witnesses
1990
Tiada Titik Balik
1991
Vendetta Vette
—
The Hanged Man: The Story of Ron Van Clief
2023
Asian Ghost Story
2016
Fists of Fury
2017
Defend Yourself!
1985
Anadellia Rises
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