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
Cool Cat Bloopers 'Behind the Scenes' Footage
Mama Cat (Voiceover)
2024
Black Creek
Rose Jennings
2024
Lady Scorpions
Alena Moore
2024
American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures
Self (archive footage)
2024
The Last Kumite
Julie Jackson
2024
Darkness of Man
Nurse Leslie
2024
Fyre Rises
Commander Bodie
2024
Taken from Rio Bravo
Margaret
2024
No Time To Think
Rachel Adams
2024
Buckle Up
Lady X
2023
Ryan Carson
Ally Watson
2022
Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'
Self
2021
New York Ninja
Det. Janet Flores (voice)
2021
The Art of Action
Self · (1 episode)
2020
In Search of the Last Action Heroes
Herself
2019
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
Self
2019
Cool Cat Kids Superhero
Momma Cat
2018
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
Counter Attendant
2018
Death Fighter
Valerie
2017
Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine
Kandra Syn
2017
Fists of Fury
Self
2017
A Doggone Hollywood
Mom in Car
2017
Asian Ghost Story
2016
Showdown in Manila
Haines
2016
The Martial Arts Kid
Cindy
2015
Cool Cat Saves the Kids
Momma Cat
2015
Mercenaries
Mona
2014
Spirit2Power
Self
2014
Badass Showdown
Ivy
2013
Santa's Summer House
Nanna
2012
Too Young to Die
Self · (1 episode)
2012
Sci-Fighter
Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
2004
Lost Bullet
Cynthia
2003
Modern Warriors
Self
2002
Outside the Law
Julie Cosgrove
2002
The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies
Self
2002
Redemption
Erin Murphy
2002
Through the Night with...
Self · (1 episode)
2002
Manhattan Chase
Nancy
2000
Tiger Claws III
Linda Masterson
1999
Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes
Self
1998
The Hostage
Agent Rebecca Peters
1998
Deep Cover
FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
1997
The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!
Bertha Jo
1997
Night Vision
Kristin O'Connor
1997
Sworn to Justice
Janna
1996
American Tigers
Herself
1996
Top Fighter 2
Self (Archive Footage)
1996
Tiger Claws II
Linda Masterson
1996
Eye for an Eye
Tina
1996
Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities
Self
1995
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
Enforcer II · (1 episode)
1995
Portrait in Red
Laurel
1995
Fast Getaway II
Lilly
1994
Guardian Angel
Cynthia Mckay
1994
Cinema of Vengeance
Self
1994
Lady Dragon 2
Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan
1993
Irresistible Force
Charlotte Heller
1993
Undefeatable
Kristi Jones
1993
Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover
Kris Fairchild
1993
Angel the Kickboxer
Kristi Jones
1993
The Best of the Martial Arts Films
Self (archive footage)
1990
The Inspector Wears Skirts
Madam Law
1988
Millionaires' Express
Mountain Bandit
1986
Operation Dagon
Prey of Wrath
Brenda Sands
Eek! The Cat
Cynthia Rothrock (voice) · (1 episode)
1992
Honor and Glory
Tracey Pride
1992
Lady Dragon
Kathy Galagher
1992
Rage and Honor
Kris Fairchild
1992
Angel Of Fury
Nancy Bolan
1992
Martial Law II: Undercover
Billie Blake
1991
Tiger Claws
Linda Masterson
1991
Fast Getaway
Lilly
1991
Martial Law
Billie Blake
1990
Prince of the Sun
Bencheuk
1990
China O'Brien II
China O'Brien
1990
China O'Brien
China O'Brien
1990
No Witnesses
1990
City Cops
Insp Cindy
1989
Lady Reporter
Cindy
1989
Jungle Heat
1988
No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder
Terry
1987
Fight to Win
Sensei Lauren
1987
Righting Wrongs
Senior Insp. Sandy Jones / Cindy Si
1986
Magic Crystal
Cindy Morgan
1986
Yes, Madam!
Senior Inspector Carrie Morris
1985
Defend Yourself!
Herself
1985
24 Hours to Midnight
Devon Grady
1985
Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story
Self