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 · The Last Kumite as Julie Jackson
- 2022 · Ryan Carson as Ally Watson
- 2020 · The Art of Action as Self
- 2019 · Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks as Self
- 2017 · Death Fighter as Valerie
- 2014 · Mercenaries as Mona
- 2014 · Spirit2Power as Self
- 2012 · Too Young to Die as Self
- 2004 · Sci-Fighter as Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
- 2003 · Lost Bullet as Cynthia
- 2002 · Modern Warriors as Self
- 2002 · Redemption as Erin Murphy
- 2002 · Through the Night with... as Self
- 2000 · Manhattan Chase as Nancy
- 1997 · Deep Cover as FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
- 1997 · The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! as Bertha Jo
- 1996 · American Tigers as Herself
- 1996 · Eye for an Eye as Tina
- 1995 · Hercules: The Legendary Journeys as Enforcer II
- 1994 · Guardian Angel as Cynthia McKay
- 1993 · Irresistible Force as Charlotte Heller
- 1993 · Undefeatable as Kristi Jones
- 1992 · Eek! The Cat as Cynthia Rothrock (voice)
- 1992 · Honor and Glory as Tracey Pride
- 1992 · Lady Dragon as Kathy Galagher
- 1991 · Martial Law II: Undercover as Billie Blake
- 1991 · Tiger Claws as Linda Masterson
- 1991 · Fast Getaway as Lilly
- 1991 · Tiada Titik Balik as Kathy
- 1990 · Martial Law as Billie Blake
- 1990 · Prince of the Sun as Bencheuk
- 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
- 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
- 2025 · Dying for Living as Sin
- 2024 · American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures as Self (archive footage)
- 2024 · Fyre Rises as Commander Bodie
- 2024 · Taken from Rio Bravo as Margaret
- 2024 · No Time To Think as Rachel Adams
- 2023 · Buckle Up as Lady X
- 2021 · New York Ninja as Det. Janet Flores (voice)
- 2021 · Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja' as Self
- 2019 · In Search of the Last Action Heroes as Herself
- 2018 · Cool Cat Kids Superhero as Momma Cat
- 2018 · Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece as Counter Attendant
- 2017 · Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine as Kandra Syn
- 2017 · Fists of Fury as Self
- 2017 · A Doggone Hollywood as Mom in Car
- 2016 · Asian Ghost Story as
- 2016 · Showdown in Manila as Haines
- 2015 · The Martial Arts Kid as Cindy
- 2015 · Cool Cat Saves the Kids as Momma Cat
- 2013 · Badass Showdown as Ivy
- 2012 · Santa's Summer House as Nanna
- 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 · Night Vision as Kristin O'Connor
- 1996 · Sworn to Justice as Janna
- 1996 · Tiger Claws II as Linda Masterson
- 1995 · Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities as Self
- 1995 · Portrait in Red as Laurel
- 1994 · Fast Getaway II as Lilly
- 1994 · Cinema of Vengeance 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 · Rage and Honor as Kris Fairchild
- 1992 · Angel Of Fury as Nancy Bolan
- 1990 · China O'Brien II as China O'Brien
- 1990 · China O'Brien as China O'Brien
- 1987 · Fight to Win as Sensei Lauren
- 1985 · 24 Hours to Midnight as Devon Grady
- Future · Prey of Wrath as Brenda Sands
- Future · Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story as Self
- 1985 · Defend Yourself! as Herself
- Future · Operation Dagon as




